Written answers

Tuesday, 27 November 2007

Department of Foreign Affairs

Departmental Agencies

8:00 pm

Photo of Lucinda CreightonLucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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Question 324: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the organisations or authorities operating within his Department's policy area, set up by statute or statutory instrument, for which he does not have official responsibility to Dáil Éireann. [31115/07]

Photo of Dermot AhernDermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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At present, there is only one organisation which operates under the aegis of my Department which was established on a statutory basis.

The Ireland — United States Commission for Educational Exchange (the Fulbright Commission) finances study, research, teaching and other educational activities between Ireland and the United States of America. It was established in 1957 by means of the Scholarship Exchange (Ireland and the United States of America) Act, 1957 as amended by the Educational Exchange (Ireland and the United States of America) Act, 1991.

The Educational Exchange (Ireland and the United States of America) Act, 1991 also provided for the establishment of the Ireland – United States Educational Fund (which is controlled by the Minister for Finance). The income accruing to the Fund is made available to the Fulbright Commission for the purposes of its functions.

As Minister for Foreign Affairs, I have certain responsibilities in regard to the Commission. Under section 3(1) of the 1991 Act, I am responsible for the appointment of four members of the eight-member Commission. Under section 5(10) of the 1991 Act, I am responsible for laying before both Houses of the Oireachtas, a copy of the annually audited accounts of the Ireland – United States Educational Fund and the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon.

While I, as Minister for Foreign Affairs, have certain specific responsibilities as outlined above, the Commission enjoys autonomy of management and administration, by reason of section 2(5) of the Educational Exchange (Ireland and the United States of America), Act, 1991.

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