asked the Taoiseach the result of any discussions he has had while in the United States relating to financial assistance to Northern Ireland, in particular discussions he has had with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Tip O'Neill and Senator Edward Kennedy, if he has had any discussions with Senator Richard Lugar, the Representative Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee who has stated that his committee must give this aid package a full hearing; if he anticipates any further meetings with Senator Lugar; if he is in a position to clarify whether or not this $250 million aid package will be in any way linked to the Supplementary Extradition Treaty between the US and Britain; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Financial Assistance to Northern Ireland.
50.
During all my discussions in the US, I emphasised the importance which the Government attach to international support for the promotion of the economic and social development of those areas of both parts of Ireland which have suffered most severely from the consequences of the instability of recent years. In my discussions with the Speaker of the House of Representatives and with Senator Kennedy and other members of both Houses of the United States Congress, I expressed my Government's appreciation of the generous terms of the Bill adopted by the House on 11 March authorising, for these purposes, a direct cash contribution of $250 million over five years, and other assistance, to the international fund to be established under the Anglo-Irish Agreement. An identical Bill, introduced by Senator Kennedy, is now before the Senate. The aid package is, therefore, still subject to the legislative process in the United States and its final shape and content remain to be determined. The Bill passed by the House of Representatives and now before the Senate has no reference to the British-US Supplementary Extradition Treaty.
I did not have any discussions with Senator Lugar during my visit. It would not be appropriate for me to comment here on the manner in which the United States Senate Foreign Relations Committee may deal with this issue.