Vol. 451 No. 5
69 Mr. Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the input, if any, he or his Department has into the disbursement of funds from the International Fund for Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6475/95]
Article 6 of the Intergovernmental Agreement establishing the International Fund for Ireland provides that the fund "shall have as its sole principal organ a Board which shall consist of a Chairman and not less than six other members". The board, although appointed by the Irish and British Governments, is an autonomous body and is independent in its decision-making powers.
Article 10 of the founding agreement also provided for the establishment of an advisory committee to assist the board. It comprises civil servants from both Administrations and is co-chaired by a senior official in my Department. The joint chairpersons of the advisory committee attend the board meetings of the fund where they provide advice on policy matters and projects for decision. Nevertheless the board is the ultimate decision maker in respect of all matters pertaining to the fund.
In addition, in accordance with the founding agreement, the two Governments provide the secretariat which acts as the administrative support for the board. The fund secretariat have offices in Dublin and Belfast which are staffed by civil servants. The officials of the fund secretariat based in Dublin are drawn from my Department.
