evidence: The funding programme – Peaceplus – amounts to 1.14 billion euro (around £978 million) and is designed to support peace and prosperity across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland. [...] "The UK Government is pleased to support the Special EU Programme Body’s work in this area, providing over £730 million in funding. The Government is committed to helping Northern Ireland to reach its full potential as a prosperous and stable part of the United Kingdom." [...] "It’s a real pleasure to be here in Belfast to formally launch the Peaceplus programme. With record funding of 1.1 billion euro, Peaceplus is an unprecedented investment by the EU, the UK, Ireland and Northern Ireland in reconciliation and cross-border co-operation, helping to build peace and promote prosperity on the island," Mr Varadkar said.