Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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Question 3: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the future of the International Fund for Ireland; if his attention has been drawn to any attempts in the United States to wind up this fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3032/11]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The International Fund for Ireland is an international organisation established by the Irish and British Governments in 1986 to promote economic and social advance and to encourage contact, dialogue and reconciliation between Nationalists and Unionists throughout Northern Ireland. Since 1986, the fund has received international contributions from the United States, the European Union, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. At present, the EU and US contribute all of the funding.

The issue of winding up the fund is dealt with in Article 14 of the agreement which states: "The Agreement shall continue in force until terminated by mutual agreement or by one Government giving the other six months' written notice, and thereafter shall remain in force for as long as and to the extent necessary for an orderly disposal of any remaining assets of the Fund in accordance with the spirit of the Agreement in full consultation with the donors."

When the International Fund for Ireland, IFI, board adopted its strategic framework for action for the period 2006 to 2010, it indicated to donors that it would no longer be seeking funds after 2010. Existing funding for the IFI would see it bringing its current programmes to a close by the end of 2013.

Following detailed analysis undertaken by the IFI in 2010, however, the board reached the conclusion that there was much work yet to be done to pursue reconciliation, especially in so-called hard–to-reach communities in Northern Ireland. I agree with the board's analysis. I have no doubt that real challenges remain to be addressed and that the IFI is well-equipped to play an important role in addressing those challenges.

For that reason and with the support of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Executive, the former Minister, Deputy Micheál Martin, raised the possibility of further United States funding for the IFI in meetings in Washington last year with Secretary of State Clinton and other political leaders on Capitol Hill.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Minister of State. Is he aware of a front page article that appeared in the Irish Echo regarding a statement by one of the new Representatives from the Republican Party elected to Congress to the effect that he proposes to table a Bill to abolish this fund? The piece contains several apparently contradictory quotes, including a statement from the ambassador to Washington. As the Minister of State will appreciate, this is causing some alarm as to the level of confusion as to what is the exact position of the Irish Government or, as the Minister of State noted, of the British Government. Is the Government aware of this threat that the fund could be wound up fairly quickly, particularly because of the change of responsibility in the House of Representatives? This matter should be carefully discussed and I ask the Minister of State whether Ireland, through diplomatic channels, stresses the ongoing need for support, especially in view of the recent unfortunate rise in subversive activities by dissident groups in Northern Ireland. If it was to be wound up, would aid continue to be provided, such as through the George Mitchell scholarship fund or another programme which could be of benefit to Northern Ireland? I understand that approximately $50 million is contributed each year by the US Government. Perhaps the Minister can confirm that.

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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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.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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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.

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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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.