Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 18 Oct 1994

Vol. 445 No. 9

Written Answers. - Tánaiste's US Visit.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

52 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on his recent visit to the United States and his meeting with the US President; the additional US funding, if any, that will be made available to promote economic development in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1423/94]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

I visited the United States from 25 September to 1 October. On 26-28 September, I attended the United Nations General Assembly in New York and addressed the Assembly on 28 September. While in New York, I also availed of the opportunity to meet a range of media representatives as well as Irish community leaders.

In the course of my visit to Washington from 29 September—1 October, I met President Clinton; Vice-President Gore; Secretary of State Christopher; National Security Adviser Lake; and other senior Administration officials. I also met Speaker Foley; Senate Majority Leader Mitchell, Senators Dole, Kennedy, Leahy, Simpson; Representatives Michel and Obey and other leading member of the Congress.

As the House will be aware, I had previously met President Clinton on Martha's Vineyard on 2 September. The Taoiseach met Vice-President Gore at Shannon on 7 September.

In my discussions with the President and Vice-President in Washington on 29 September, I emphasised the Government's belief that there is now a unique opportunity on the island of Ireland to consolidate peace and to achieve a lasting political settlement. As always, I found the President and the Vice-President to be both very well informed and supportive of our efforts.

The President and Vice-President reiterated that the United States will continue to look for ways to support the peace process and to encourage further progress, including through strong US support of the International Fund for Ireland and other efforts to promote economic development. They indicated that the Administration was examining a range of possible options in this regard and would maintain close contact with both the Irish and British Governments. The support and goodwill of President Clinton and his Administration is an asset of enormous importance for both traditions in Ireland.

My discussions with congressional leaders also related primarily to Northern Ireland and to the prospects for achieving lasting peace in Ireland. I expressed appreciation for their continuing support and interest.

I also took the opportunity to express to congressional leaders the hope of the Irish Government that Congress would adopt legislation allowing Ireland to qualify for visa waiver arrangements. I know the House will share my pleasure that this measure was adopted on 7 October and will now go to the President for signature.