Vol. 439 No. 6
77 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs whether, in the context of developments in Northern Ireland, additional commitments are being sought for the future financing of the International Fund for Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
As the Deputy will be aware, since its establishment in 1986 the International Fund for Ireland has been generously supported by the United States of America, the European Union, Canada and New Zealand. The total cumulative resources which have been made available to the fund to date amount to some £250 million pounds, with the United States and the European Union being the major contributors.
The current EU commitment to the fund of 45 million ECU covers the three year period 1992-1994, of which the 1992 and 1993 contributions have already been received. The US contribution is voted on a yearly basis. Its 20 million dollars contribution for 1994 has been approved by Congress and signed into law by President Clinton. The Government is currently in contact with both the EU and US Authorities concerning their respective contributions to the fund for 1995.
The international welcome accorded to the Joint Declaration augurs well for the ability of the International Fund for Ireland to continue to attract the support which enables it to carry out its valuable work in Northern Ireland and in the six Border counties in the South. The Government will continue its efforts to secure maximum international support for the International Fund for Ireland.
