Gerard Collins
Question:33 Mr. Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the plans, if any, he has to endeavour to restore United States funding for peace in Northern Ireland to the level originally expected. [4937/95]
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - US Support for Peace Process.
On 1 November last, President Clinton announced a package of measures to assist in the consolidation of the peace process, including the holding of a White House Conference on Trade and Investment in Ireland. This conference, in which the President will participate, will take place in Washington on 24-26 May and will provide a unique forum to show the exceptional attractions of Ireland, North and South, as an investment location. It will help to give practical expression to the strong US support for the peace process.
In his statement of 1 November the President also stated that, in addition to a planned commitment of $20 million to the International Fund in 1995, the Administration would seek congressional approval for an additional $10 million for the fund in 1996 and 1997, that is, for a total of $30 million each year.
I hope that this approval will be forthcoming and that Congress will be willing to give this further tangible signal of US support for the peace process. In the course of our recent visits to the United States, the Taoiseach and I availed of appropriate opportunities to lend support to the Administration's initiative with a view to facilitating this significant enhancement of the US contribution to the International Fund.
I welcome the fact the Minister has encouraged the US Administration in terms of enhancement of the fund. What is his view on the recently stated position of the chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, who appears to be somewhat reluctant in regard to the fund?
I do not think those remarks were helpful and it is very important that the Irish Government continues dialogue with the United States Administration. On the commitments that have been made, there is, as the Deputy is aware, a difficult situation in Capital Hill since the recent elections but notwithstanding that we should be fairly confident we will get the increases predicted by the President.
Is the Minister using our ambassador and our contacts on both sides of Congress, for example Congressman Gilman and others, to ensure that this fund, which is central to the US involvement in the peace process, is continued for this year and the years ahead? Are people lobbying on behalf of the Government and the Irish people?
I can assure the Deputy that we are in contact with members of Congress from both the Democratic and Republican parties and, within the bounds of diplomacy, our ambassador is actively engaged on this matter.
Assuming that the International Fund for Ireland is continued, which we hope it will, will the Minister look at their allocation to ensure that the six southern Border counties receive a fair allocation from it because of the difficulties they have experienced following 25 years of trouble in the North?
I think the Deputy is well aware of the division of the International Fund on any basis, whether population or otherwise, which is a fair one.