asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will give details of the guidelines set out in the agreement to establish the International Fund for Ireland.
Written Answers. - International Fund for Ireland.
33.
The objectives of the International Fund as set out in Article 2 of the Agreement between the Government of Ireland and the Government of the United Kingdom concerning the International Fund for Ireland are to promote economic and social advance and to encourage contact, dialogue and reconciliation between Nationalists and Unionists throughout Ireland.
Under Article 3 of the agreement, the fund, in pursuance of these objectives, is required to stimulate private investment and enterprise, supplement public programmes and encourage voluntary effort, including self-help schemes.
Article 4 of the agreement states that the fund shall give priority to the following:
(a) The stimulation of private sector investment, in particular by means of venture capital arrangements using some of the resources of the fund;
(b) Projects of benefit to people in both parts of Ireland, for example, improved communications and greater co-operation in the economic, educational and research fields;
(c) Projects to improve the quality and conditions of life for people in areas facing serious economic and/or social problems. Spending will be carefully targeted to meet needs arising from factors such as high unemployment, underdeveloped social, health or education facilities, poor environment and sub-standard infrastructures;
(d) Projects to provide wider horizons for people from both traditions in Ireland including opportunities for industrial training and work experience overseas.