Minister for Foreign Affairs welcomes renewed American contribution to the International Fund for Ireland in 2006

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Dermot Ahern T.D., has welcomed the US budgetary resolution which allocates $13.5 million to the International Fund for Ireland in 2006.  This allocation brings the total US contribution to the IFI to $436.5 million since 1987. 

Minister Ahern said:

“I very much welcome the decision by the US government to allocate $13.5 million to the International Fund for Ireland next year. There are very significant pressures on the US budget at this time, and the continued US support for the Fund is a tangible expression of continued strong American support for the peace process.

The period ahead will be a challenging one for the Fund as it continues its work to secure lasting peace and reconciliation in Ireland. The consistent generosity and engagement of the American people at this time is greatly appreciated by the Irish Government.”

Note to Editors

The International Fund for Ireland is an international organisation established by the Irish and British Governments in 1986 with the objectives of promoting social and economic advance and of encouraging contact, dialogue and reconciliation between nationalists and unionists throughout Ireland. Contributors to the Fund are the United States, the European Union, Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

The International Fund for Ireland's website address is www.internationalfundforireland.com

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15th November 2005