asked the Minister for External Affairs if it is proposed to establish an American-Irish foundation; if he will state the capital involved, and the purposes for which the foundation will be established; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - American-Irish Foundation.
26.
The American-Irish Foundation was incorporated in New York on 17th June, 1963, in accordance with the laws of the United States and of the State of New York.
The foundation will be financed by voluntary contribution in the form of donations and bequests. Having regard to the importance which the Government attach to the success of the foundation, it is proposed to seek the approval of the Dáil before the end of the present financial year for the making of a capital contribution of £10,000 to the foundation.
The primary objective of the foundation is the promotion of cultural, intellectual, educational, literary and scientific relations between Ireland and the United States. The foundation will sponsor the interchange between the two countries of students, teachers, lecturers, professors, writers, musicians and artists. In addition, the foundation will contribute to the advancement in Ireland of scientific, technological and artistic education by awarding scholarships tenable in Ireland, the United States and other countries.
For a number of years past Irish societies and individuals of Irish ancestry in the United States have expressed their desire to help in spreading there a knowledge of Irish history, language and literature and of Irish cultural achievements generally. A certain number of cultural visits of this kind has already been undertaken by Irish writers, choirs, and so on, and under the auspices of An Bord Scoláireachtaí Cómalairte, established in 1957, with a capital of £500,000 from the Grant Counter-part Fund, there has been an annual exchange of lecturers and students between the two countries.
It was felt, however, that an effort should now be made to co-ordinate and intensify such cultural and educational exchanges and it was therefore decided to establish the Foundation.
President de Valera and President Kennedy have graciously consented to become "Co-Chairmen," that is, Patrons of the Foundation which I am sure will effectively strengthen the cultural and educational links between the two countries.
Will the United States Government make a contribution?
No.
There will be no State contribution from the United States?
They have not been asked.