HC Deb 04 November 1999 vol 337 cc257-8W
Mr. John D. Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the Nerve Centre, Londonderry, was formed; what has been the public funding of the Nerve Centre in each of the past three years; what public funding has been committed to the CD-Rom concerning(a) the Battle of the Somme and (b) the Bogside Disturbances; and if he will make a statement. [94825]

Mr. McFall

I am advised by the Chief Executive of the Arts Council that the Nerve Centre was first opened in 1989 as an alternative educational initiative aimed at encouraging young people to explore their cultural traditions through multi-media technology.

Public funding of the Nerve Centre through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland was £23,000 in 1996–97, £11,000 in 1997–98, and £11,000 in 1998–99. Funding though the Northern Ireland Film Council was £57,000 in 1997–98 and £57,000 in 1998–99.

I understand that the project 'Symbols' is based on a CD-ROM which includes material on the Battle of the Somme and a number of other historical events including the Bogside disturbances. The project received funding of £150,000 from the EU Special Support Programme for Peace and Reconciliation and £50,000 from the Community Relations Council. As the CD-ROM covered a wide range of issues, it is not possible to disaggregate the costs relating to any individual element. The detailed content of the CD-ROM is a matter for the Nerve Centre.

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