Ned O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail)

I have no additional wisdom to bring to bear except to note the name of George Mitchell resonates with everyone. All decent people in Ireland, North and South, owe him an enormous debt. He was a fantastic man who was greatly involved in the peace process and sometimes people in Ireland are quick to forget those who have been of best use and value to them. I would be loath to be in favour of anything that would cast aspersions on the personality and contribution made by Senator George Mitchell. I believe Senator Norris has referred to his background as the son of immigrant parents. The silver spoon did not feature in his life and it is a great testament to America that he was able to rise to the levels he attained. When he was asked by Bill Clinton to involve himself in the North, he gave it 100%. He undoubtedly must have the patience of Job, as well as the requisite ability, prudence and tenacity. At a crucial stage during the peace process when matters had been dragging on for a long time, he eventually gave both sides a terminal date. As he meant it, it acted as a major wake-up call and he quickly brought people around. As recently as this morning, Members learned of the huge bomb that was planned to cause as much damage as possible in Newry. Consequently, they should not for a minute take for granted that the position in Northern Ireland is close to normality. All the small bits and pieces that have helped to pull together the two sides and to create normal politics are important and this scholarship constitutes one such building block. As such it is important and must be protected and retained and, where possible, enhanced.

The tradition of scholarships goes back to the ancient Greeks and Romans and is an honourable way to honour someone and to create value in society. While I am unsure how long this programme has been in operation, I am sure each participant has gained personally and has been enriched by the experience of coming to study in Ireland. Moreover, I am sure they have brought back to their peers a good account of Ireland. This is a two-way process and long may it continue. Obviously, there is some form of financial spin-off for Ireland in that it increases inward investment from the people who come to stay here, and their families, as a result of the increased involvement the scholarship has created. Naturally, given the times in which we find ourselves, one must seek value for money in everything. I can sympathise with those who ask whether this programme can be afforded at present. Although we probably cannot afford it, nevertheless I believe it must be a priority.

I was disappointed by an e-mail I received before I entered the Chamber. It detained me, which is the reason I am out of breath. It was from a fairly notable Irish American who seemed to be casting aspersions on some of the people involved in the scholarship's administration in the US. This is a red herring, as the important issue is the scholarship's value. I do not have enough information about those who administer it to make a comment, benign or otherwise. The Government will take every step to ensure that, when giving a sum of this enormity, even one that will be phased over a number of years, it will be properly administered and that the right type of people will be able to avail of it. I would like to see people from poor backgrounds in particular getting access to these scholarships. Just as Senator George Mitchell came up the hard way, I would like to see young people from disadvantaged homes and backgrounds getting preference in the selection process.

I have a number of ideas to broaden the scholarship. Clearly, third level institutions constitute the obvious vehicle for utilising the scholarships. Some of the scholars in question have been interns in Leinster House for those of us lucky enough to get them. I have not yet been that fortunate and I am not holding my breath. Perhaps we should consider it separately from the academic element.