Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)

I appreciate what the Minister of State said and I do not mean to be in any way derogatory towards the US. One has to accept that for over 20 years it has contributed a large sum of money to the fund, which we very much welcome. I ask the Minister of State to give an assurance today that this matter will be discussed at the highest level and that there is a clear understanding on our position and why we think it is necessary that this fund should continue.

We would then gather support in the US for the continuation of the fund. In view of the comments of the congressman in question it could be very easily eliminated without much attention being paid to it. When we are warned of the possibility of that happening, there is a need for immediate diplomatic and ministerial action.

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