Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

1010. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the success of the Mitchell scholarship programme, given its huge popularity with future leaders in the US; if he is conscious of the need to support this fund; and if he will explore endowment options with the US-Ireland Alliance. [38783/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

My Department continues to support and demonstrate commitment to the programme.

A significant level of State resources is held in a fund for the delivery of the scholarships under the legislative framework in place and this funding has been supplemented over recent years by a significant annual subvention from my Department.

The US - Ireland Alliance which is responsible for the operation of the programme has ceased to recruit students for participation in the programme.

Officials from my Department recently met with representatives of the Alliance to encourage it to recommence the selection and recruitment process.

Following the meeting my Department is exploring options, consistent with the legal framework in place to seek to support this important objective.