HC Deb 13 May 2003 vol 405 c190W
Mr. Nigel Dodds

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the Columba Initiative was established; what was the Northern Ireland contribution in each financial year; and by which Department that money was contributed. [100443]

Angela Smith

The Columba Initiative was established in 1997. Northern Ireland joined in April 1998.

The Northern Ireland contribution in each financial year has been as follows:

Department of Finance and Personnel (£s)
1998–99 Department of Finance and Personnel 48,892
1999–2000 Department of Finance and Personnel 63.607
2000–01 Department of Finance and Personnel 25,000
2000–01 Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure 42,500
2001–02 Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure 150,000
2002–03 Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure 165,000