Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 20 Sep 1995

Vol. 455 No. 8

Written Answers. - International Fund for Ireland.

Rory O'Hanlon

Ceist:

15 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the criticism of the International Fund for Ireland in a Sunday newspaper (details supplied); if he will give details of the important contribution which the fund has made to the Border counties north and south; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12897/95]

The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

I have indeed read the particular article in question. In the Government's view, it gave a completely inaccurate representation of the International Fund's financial position. A central allegation of the article — namely, that the Fund was "in debt" and in "financial crisis"— is quite simply untrue. The Fund has always operated within the limits of its committed resources. Its annual accounts are independently audited and are presented to the Irish and British Governments as well as to the Fund's international donors. Contrary to the suggestion in the article, the Fund's receipts to date exceed its commitments to specific projects and initiatives.

Many other assertions of the article were factually incorrect and at least three third parties who were allegedly quoted have challenged the newspaper on the accuracy of the attributed remarks.

I am grateful to the Deputy for the opportunity to associate myself with the Fund Chairman's effective rebuttal of the article and to again place on the record of this House the Government's deep appreciation of the work being undertaken by the International Fund for Ireland. Since 1986 the Fund has made a major contribution towards the economic development of the 12 northern counties and has been very successful in promoting dialogue and reconciliation between the two traditions on the island.

As the Deputy may be aware, the recent evaluation of the Fund carried out by KPMG Management Consultants has conclusively demonstrated the success and effectiveness of the Fund. It showed that the Fund's total commitment of £263 million had levered an additional investment of £450 million from the public and private sectors; that it had provided assistance towards some 24,000 jobs; that it was instrumental in supporting over 440 organisations which operate on a cross-community or cross-Border basis; and that it had sponsored North-South business links involving over 1,000 companies.

I have also had the benefit of witnessing for myself the positive impact which the Fund has made on many disadvantaged communities. In places like Clones, Ballinamore, Lifford and West Belfast I have seen how the Fund has given new hope and encouragement to local communities to take responsibility for the regeneration of their own areas. The Fund has been a wonderful success story which, through careful use of its resources, has achieved outstanding results on the ground.

The International Fund and the communities it serves should be very proud of what has been achieved through their many partnerships. The Government is very pleased to endorse and support all of this good work. None of these achievements would of course be possible without the enabling resources provided by the international donors to the Fund. The Government and the people of Ireland owe a considerable debt of gratitude to the United States, the European Union, Canada, New Zealand and Australia for their generous support of the International Fund over the last nine years.