Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

I agree. We have had ongoing contact. The US authorities have not given any indication that they will end the fund. The Deputy will be aware that the budget discussions on Capitol Hill will continue until the end of March. Given the announcement made by the Taoiseach today, there will be a significant Irish presence, from whatever side of the House, in place on 17 March. I have no doubt that will continue. We have also had contact with the UK authorities and there is a consensus on working to reach the hard-to-reach communities and on the continuing value of the fund.

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