Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)

I thank all the Deputies for their contributions to this constructive debate. With the exception of Deputy Morgan, who gave it qualified support, all Deputies have welcomed the Bill. I welcome the cross-party support for the legislation this afternoon. As Minister of State, I wish to be associated with the remarks of several Deputies about the role of the President of the US-Ireland Alliance, Trina Vargo. I thank her for her work and wish her every success in her future endeavours. Similarly, I agree with what was said during the debate about the former US Senators, George Mitchell and the late Ted Kennedy. Having had the honour of meeting Ted Kennedy, I was deeply saddened by his death last year. Ireland lost a great friend with his passing.

A number of issues were raised during the debate. Deputy Hayes, supported tacitly by Deputy Quinn, wondered why it took three years to bring this legislation before the House. I remind the Deputies that agreement on the terms of the new funding and management agreement had to be reached with the US-Ireland Alliance. It was important to get the agreement right, in view of the scale of the Government commitment. Following protracted negotiations, the terms of the new agreement were finally decided on in 2009.

Deputy Hayes also asked how many additional scholars will come to Ireland. The purpose of the additional funding is to secure the long-term viability of the programme and to meet the cost of the 12 scholarships that are currently offered. In recent years, the cost of these scholarships has not been borne by the original Irish Government endowment. It is planned that in future, the annual income from the endowment will fund the cost of the 12 scholarships and the administration of the scholarship scheme.

Deputy Hayes also looked for a breakdown of the number of scholars who go to Northern Ireland and to the Republic of Ireland. Detailed statistics on the various years can be provided separately to the Deputy. In 2009, for example, three of the 12 scholars went to Northern Ireland, with the other nine staying in this jurisdiction.

The Deputy also asked how much matching funding has been raised. I will have to confirm the present position in that regard with the US-Ireland Alliance. I understand that the current figure is in excess of $1.5 million.

Deputy Hayes also asked how much funding is used on administration by the alliance. In response to that, detailed information is provided in the annual accounts laid before the House each year. For example, in 2008 a total of $33,237 was expended, comprising $5,490 on administration and $27,747 on investment advisory fees. These fees are modest because the US-Ireland Alliance decided in recent years to minimise the drawdown on the fund. In the early years, administration costs exceeded US$100,000. I am sure Members appreciate the improvement.

Deputy Arthur Morgan was critical of the aims of the legislation. This is a pity although I respect his right to raise the queries. He pointed out the large investment in the scheme compared to the cutbacks elsewhere in education. The €20 million payment will be made over a period of years and is conditional on matching funding being raised by the US-Ireland Alliance. A limit of €4 million has been put on the amount the Exchequer will pay in any one year. This is a strategic investment and there will be a direct financial benefit to the Irish economy. Another benefit is that Mitchell scholars will be likely to occupy positions of influence in the US. We expect their period of study in Ireland will create an enduring legacy of goodwill towards Ireland and be of significant benefit in the future.

Deputy Quinn and others pointed out the changing nature of the relationship between Ireland and the US. This was captured very well in the policy document published in 2009, Ireland and America: Challenges and Opportunities in a New Context. The Government fully subscribes to the views put forward on the changing and developing nature of the relationship. Deputies Quinn and Deasy referred to education in Ireland in an international context. Regarding the work of Enterprise Ireland, Deputy Quinn is aware the Government decided not to proceed with the establishment of Education Ireland because of concerns at the growth of the number of State bodies. Instead, the Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Batt O'Keeffe, produced a new framework for the promotion of Ireland as a centre of international education. As part of this, a high level group has been established. It is currently developing an action plan to enhance Ireland's performance in this area. The group includes representatives from the Department of Education and Science, the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Enterprise Ireland and a range of State bodies. It is intended that the work of the group will enable us to develop a focused and coherent approach to international education. The presence of the principal players on the group will enable us to address problems and issues in this area in a co-ordinated manner.

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