[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 107 (Friday, July 19, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S8374]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. D'AMATO:
  S. 1976. A bill to authorize the President to enter into a trade 
agreement concerning Northern Ireland and certain border counties of 
the Republic of Ireland, and for other purposes; to the Committee on 
Finance.


     The Northern Ireland Free Trade, Development and Security Act

 Mr. D'AMATO. Mr. President, I introduce the Northern Ireland 
Free Trade, Development and Security Act.
  The resurgence of sectarian unrest that we have witnessed in the last 
weeks in Northern Ireland has seriously jeopardized the chances of a 
lasting peace in that province. The current uncertainty brought about 
by the recent confrontation between the Catholic and Protestant 
communities does not augur well for the prospect of a prosperous and 
progressive Northern Ireland adhering to the principles of democracy, 
restraint and mutual respect.
  Throughout the six counties the ancient drums of a harsh and 
unbending history have been once again been replaced by the fierce and 
acrimonious sounds of cross community hatred. Shattering glass and car 
bombs have once more become part and parcel of daily life in parts of 
Northern Ireland.
  Mr. President, voices throughout Ireland continually echo the need 
for restraint and reconciliation. These are the voices of Northern 
Ireland's future. Voices which for so long have fallen on deaf ears. 
These voices Mr. President must be heard. It is in everyones self-
interest to go forward. It is in no ones self-interest to slow down the 
peace process. Sadly this process may have come to a grinding halt, 
sadly too, the good and honest people of Northern Ireland will once 
again be the victims of a tyranny of violence and intransigence. The 
legislation that I introduce today is a marker that says that the men 
and women of Ulster are not alone in this period of instability and 
hour of need. We must verify hope, not concede to dispair.
  Mr. President, the Northern Ireland and Border Counties Free Trade, 
Development and Security Act, that I introduce today, is modeled on the 
Gaza/ West Bank Free Trade Act pending in this body. Both bills are 
based on the premise that a country or region that has a vibrant, 
growing and exporting economy requires underlying economic and social 
cohesion and cooperation. The legislation that I am introducing 
promises an open, liberalizing trade arrangement between Northern 
Ireland, the border counties of the Irish Republic and the United 
States. It will act as a primary inducement and incentive for 
indigenous Irish business to trade and flourish. This program will mean 
real jobs for the people of Northern Ireland, jobs that will prove to 
be crucial if the improvement of social and economic life in the North 
of Ireland is to be realized. In doing so, it will not only assist in 
revitalizing Northern Ireland's economy but it will help to rid Ulster 
of the religious and racial hatred which has plagued its people for 
more than 300 years.
  Mr. President, the paradox of Northern Ireland is that she has given 
so much to other cultures and lands but has been incapable of fully 
reaping the rewards of her own peoples skills and strengths at home. 
The unfortunate reality is that as in the Republic of Ireland, a large 
majority of the North's highly educated and skilled younger generation 
has been forced to emigrate due to high unemployment levels which are 
as high as 70 percent in some areas. These disadvantaged areas are the 
ones which this legislation has been especially designed to target. 
Joint cooperation and joint economic development between the United 
States, Northern Ireland, and the European Union will integrate the 
most distressed parts of Northern Ireland and the border counties into 
a dynamic economy that--while firmly rooted in the European Union--
continues to expand and cement new trading relatonships beneficial to 
all trading partners.

  Mr. President the coming days in Northern Ireland will mean that 
serious risks will have to be taken. The way forward is not entirerly 
clear. Great strains have been placed between our good friends Great 
Britain and the Republic of Ireland. A close and harmonious 
relationship between these two nations is a necessary prerequisite to 
future progress in Northern Ireland. I would ask both of these close 
friends to join this effort to help forge a new and innovative way 
forward for their own citizens. Indeed current events call for new 
approaches, new modalities, and reinvigorated efforts.
  To the men and women of Northern Ireland and the border counties, I 
say that your best days are in front of you. Stand steadfastly. Both 
communities can work together to create a future that will outshine 
Northern Ireland's dark but proud past and will significantly increase 
the prospects for the youth of Northern Ireland who hold the key to the 
success of this project. Take from your past the virtues of your 
forefathers--industry, faith, and imagination but leave behind the 
quarrels of other centuries. Just like the unity of Catholic and 
Protestant at the Somme, I ask that those heroic deeds be emanated. 
This time ahead will take courage, strength, and determination on all 
sides. I remind you once more you are not alone. As this country stood 
by you at the Somme this country stands by you now.
  Northern Ireland's peace process must move forward and the 
aspirations and goodwill of the vast majority of its citizens must be 
accompanied by hard work and endeavour. The proposed establishment of a 
free trade area in these designated areas must be passed into 
legislation if the predicted 3,000 to 10,000 jobs are to be created. A 
more prosperous economy with more evenly spread and meaningful job 
opportunities can only serve to bridge the social and economic 
disparities that exist in this region. In conclusion this opportunity 
cannot be overlooked, after 25 years since the outbreak of the 
``troubles,'' the people of Northern Ireland have suffered enough 
violence and depravity. Now it is time to embark on a rebuilding 
process that will give no chance to the terrorist but every chance to 
peace and reconciliation.

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