Long-term unemployment remains high. Job growth is the chief determinant of civic stability. There have been improvements in the rate of re-employment for Catholics. However Catholic males remain unemployed disproportionately compared with Protestant males. Inability to travel freely throughout the security zones compounds the difficulties for both groups in seeking employment.
Nationalists are reluctant to seek employment in the security zones.
Despite the fact that the Republic of Ireland's economy is among the fastest growing in Europe, the economy of Northern Ireland and its border counties of Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Cavan, Monaghan, and Louth is devastated. Investment remains inadequate in Northern Ireland. Unemployment and under-employment are high, and economic opportunity is beyond the reach of many. The objectives of the Fund are to promote economic and social advancement, and encourage contact, dialogue, and reconciliation between Nationalists and Unionists throughout Ireland. The Fund seeks to reach these objectives by supporting and promoting social reconciliation through economic development in Ireland and Northern Ireland, with priority given to new investments that create jobs and reconstruct disadvantaged areas.