Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

I am aware of the debate in the US. As the Deputy is aware, there are issues regarding the budget in the US Congress. Some on the Republican side take a particular view. There has been no approach from the US authorities on winding up the fund. It may be the view of some in Congress that it should be wound up. I am aware of the article the Deputy mentioned. Some comments were made by a person associated with the George Mitchell scholarship fund on it being wound up. The contribution is of the order mentioned by the Deputy.

On continuing funding, there has been an ongoing contact, in particular by the former Minister, Deputy Martin. He had discussions last year and during the St. Patrick's Day period he had fairly extensive contact with the US. As I said, our view would concur with the board of the IFI. There are hard-to-reach communities that need continuing support. The effort will continue to made to ensure the fund exists, as long as it has a role to play.

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