Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Mar 1993

Vol. 428 No. 1

Written Answers. - International Fund for Ireland.

Austin Currie

Question:

36 Mr. Currie asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to comments (details supplied) by the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives on the International Fund for Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

The Government attaches great importance to the support of the United States for the efforts of the Irish and the British Governments to bring about peace in Northern Ireland. The generous contributions which the US has made to the International Fund for Ireland since its establishment in 1986 are a very practical expression of that support. The Government appreciates in particular the interest and concern which has always been shown on this issue by the speaker of the House of Representatives, Tom Foley.

While the question of future contributions to the fund by the US is a matter to be determined by the Congress, I would very much hope that this practical expression of support for the effort to bring peace to this island will be maintained. I was particularly gratified to note the announcement by President Clinton during the Taoiseach's recent visit that he has agreed to include the annual appropriation for the Fund in his budget submission to the Congress. In previous years the Administration has not done this and the amount in question had to be added at a later stage by the Congress itself. I may add that the Irish Government continues to attach great importance to the work of the fund. We are very satisfied with its progress to date and in particular with what it has done to contribute to the economic and social regeneration of the most disadvantaged areas in Northern Ireland.