Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Other groups are lobbying hard for these funds on Capitol Hill. I do not speak for Senator Leahy, but I think he gave a very good hearing to what we had to say about the fund and its importance, with particular reference to it being continued for the benefit of vulnerable young people in hard pressed areas. In the next three weeks when decisions are made, I hope he will decide to continue the fund. I am aware of the pressures on him and of the general economic situation in the United States, where there is unemployment and other difficulties. However, this is an important fund. America is committed to continuing to support Ireland and I hope that commitment will be demonstrated by the continuation of this fund.

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