John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)

I would not disagree entirely and that is a concern.

In Washington participants gain first-hand experience of a mature political process and are exposed to a culture of diversity. Students gain invaluable practical experience by completing internships in US government, media, business and non-profit organisations. At the end of the summer, participants return to Ireland with enhanced professional and interpersonal skills, as well as a new confidence in their ability to work together to make a difference.

The Washington Ireland Program offers its participants a unique opportunity to understand and develop their leadership abilities through an intense leadership programme and they also participate in a leadership project that allows them to put into action the skills they have developed. This equips graduates of the programme with the skills they will need to overcome challenges presented in their future careers. More than 380 young adults from Ireland have graduated from the programme, representing 25 different universities throughout the UK and Ireland. Many graduates are emerging in important careers in politics, law, business, communications, education and community organisations. As they move into critical leadership roles, they retain their connection with the programme and continue to give back to their local communities through an active alumni network.

I would like to make a few brief observations on other sections of the legislation. Section 3 deals with maintaining both an investment and a separate matching fund account, the production of an annual report and audited accounts. Somewhat surprisingly, the Bill also provides that public money must not be classified as matching funds. I welcome these provisions. It can hardly be a surprise to anyone that an organisation in receipt of Irish taxpayer funds should have to produce annual reports, audited accounts or should have separate investment, operational and matching funding accounts etc.

In particular, the clear definition of matching funds from the private sector is important, given that the US-Ireland Alliance drawdown of further Irish taxpayer funds is dependent on the generation of private sector matching funds. Matching funds are critical given the opportunity for students' development and trade between the US and Ireland. Many Irish companies operate successfully in the US and generate many thousands of jobs. The programme will be dependent on private sector matching funds even though €20 million in funding for the programme over five years is considerable.

I also welcome the provision in the legislation that a copy of the annual report and audited accounts should be placed before the Oireachtas. This provision will bring clarity to the issues of salaries and expenses incurred by the US-Ireland Alliance in the operation and administration of the fund. I am convinced such clarity and transparency will be of further assistance to the role of the organisation. This funding is being allocated to run an educational endowment program that honours the work and the achievements of George Mitchell. In these circumstances, it would be best that this would be the primary purpose and activity of the alliance. There is risk that any contribution the alliance makes to current political issues may detract from the value of the programme.

It is paramount to take advantage of the development of the educational programme. The reassurance provided regarding audited accounts and the investment programme and the clarification of private investment funding for the continuation of the programme are important. The Washington internship programme is similar in many ways. The fund will be renewed and if private sector funding is properly channelled in an open and transparent way, it will be ensured for decades to come that scholarships will benefit those who otherwise would not get the opportunity. I compliment everybody involved and, in particular, George Mitchell on his outstanding work for Ireland.

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