Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

First, I have met with the Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, on a number of occasions since my appointment as Minister for Foreign Affairs and there is no doubt about her commitment and support for the continuing peace process in Northern Ireland and for economic development in Northern Ireland. I also conveyed to her the appreciation of the work Declan Kelly did during his term as her economic envoy to Northern Ireland. I should point out that his role was very much as an economic envoy to Northern Ireland and in the first instance it is a matter for the Northern Ireland Executive as to whether it would wish to see that role continue. If it has a view on that it has not been communicated to me.

Second, it is a matter for the United States Administration as to where, when and in what capacity envoys are appointed. I have discussed with Secretary of State Clinton the necessity, for example, to continue funding through the Ireland Funds. That is hugely important and as the Deputy is aware, there have been difficulties in regard to that. The focus and the approach I am taking on this matter is to continue to encourage the United States Administration to continue its economic support but the manner in which that is done and whether it appoints envoys is a matter for its Administration.

See this speech in context