Vol. 377 No. 9
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the question of an EC contribution to the International Fund set up under the Anglo-Irish Agreement was raised at the EC Summit last week, and the likelihood of receiving such a contribution before the end of this year.
46.
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the approach which has been made to the European Community for support for the International Fund for Ireland.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 9 and 46 together.
In order to have a reasonable prospect of success, any approach to the European Communities seeking a contribution to the International Fund for Ireland would require to be made on a joint basis by both the Irish and British Governments. Despite lengthy discussions on the issue and repeated efforts on our part, the British Government have been unwilling to consider the matter until agreement is reached on the Community's overall budgetary arrangements. In the light of the agreement reached at last week's Council in Brussels, it is my intention to raise this issue with the British authorities at the earliest possible date.
First, I would like to welcome the Minister back after his illness. I am glad to see him back and well again. I am grateful for the Minister's reply and I am glad he has changed his mind about going ahead on his own and looking for support for the EC. There is only one way to get support for the EC International Fund and that is jointly with the British Government and he should impress that on the British Government. Application should be made next week because the fund is doing a lot of good and is giving the people of the North of Ireland a lot more confidence in the Anglo-Irish Agreement than are this Government. Therefore the more money there is in the fund the better.
This is being dealt with as a matter of urgency. I appreciate the Deputy's remarks in regard to myself.
I too would like to welcome back the Minister for Foreign Affairs. I think it will not have gone unnoticed that Anglo-Irish relations have gone to the dogs in his absence.
Thank you very much for your kind remarks.
You were missed.
I would like to ask the Minister if any change has been detected in the attitude of the British Government in the past year? From the report given by the Minister there has been no change whatsoever. This issue has been in stalemate for over a year and it is now at the stage where it could be affecting further contributions — for example, from the Americans — to the International Fund.
The British Government were obdurate that until they got their rebate problems settled — they were finally settled last week as part of the overall package settlement in Brussels — they were not willing to join with us on this issue. I am probing as to their bona fides at present and I hope to have word for the House on the matter at an early date.
That is not what the Minister said six months ago. However, I am glad to see it is happening now.
I beg to differ from the Deputy. However, we will not argue about past events.
