Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 18 Oct 1995

Vol. 457 No. 2

Written Answers. - Northern Ireland Peace Process.

Robert Molloy

Question:

19 Mr. Molloy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if any aspect of official United States of America assistance in support of the peace process in Northern Ireland has been made conditional on Ireland's support for any element of US foreign or security policy. [15113/95]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

The answer to the question is No. I would like to place on record our debt of gratitude to the US Administration for the support and goodwill which they have afforded to us, at every stage in the path towards peace and beyond. This has been expressed in a tangible way by US contributions to the International Fund for Ireland, totalling 250 million dollars to date. The personal initiative of President Clinton in hosting last May the White House Conference on Trade and Investment in Ireland further underlined his Administration's commitment to the peace process.

During my visit to the US in the last week of September I had the opportunity of meeting with President Clinton, Vice-President Al Gore, Secretary of State Christopher and National Security Adviser Tony Lake. I was heartened to take away from my meetings the unconditional support of the US Administration for the peace process.