[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 116 (Thursday, August 1, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1435-E1436]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRADE FREE ZONE IN THE NORTH OF IRELAND

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 1, 1996

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, a bill (H.R. 3599) which aims to help 
address some of the economic deprivation in Northern Ireland and the 
Republic of Ireland's six border countries was proposed here in the 
House on June 6, 1996. I was pleased to be an original cosponsor of 
this important proposal by my good friend--Representative Thomas 
Manton, of New York. In light of the current outbreak of turmoil in 
Northern Ireland the introduction of such a proposal aimed at economic 
improvement and change, has become even more crucial today.
  Our bill (H.R. 3599) concerns the potential establishment of a free 
trade agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom and 
the Republic of Ireland, which governs the aforenamed areas. It 
provides authority for the President to negotiate such a treaty, 
consistent with the goals and policies of the European Union.
  Indeed, it is envisaged that a strengthened economy in Northern 
Ireland and the affected border countries would help facilitate the 
precarious peace process which has become most imperative in light of 
the recent outbreak of sectarian violence in Northern Ireland.
  The bill will not solve all of the region's many difficult problems, 
but it can greatly contribute toward a long-term shared economic 
strategy, which will be of mutual benefit to workers in the North of 
Ireland and American

[[Page E1436]]

companies as well. It would help create a shared economic development, 
greatly needed in the current times of turmoil.
  Most notably the proposals have been welcomed by a diversity of 
groups both in Ireland and the United States. Dr. John Alderdice, 
leader of the Alliance Party believes that the bill could ``help 
underpin political agreement.'' His voice is joined by Hon. Dr. Joe 
Hendron, MP, member of Social Democratic and Labour Party [SDLP], who 
stated that such an incentive could help ``bring a new day to Northern 
Ireland.'' Hon. Cecil Walker, MP, member of the Ulster Unionist Party 
[UUP] has also lent his support, believing the bill to be ``one of the 
most promising economic development proposals on the horizon for my 
beleaguered part of Northern Ireland.'' In addition, Fr. Sean McManus 
of the Irish National Caucus, Inc. in Washington, DC, Senator Sean 
Maloney and Senator Patrick McGowan of the Republic of Ireland, have 
all welcomed this trade free zone legislation.
  Importantly, the proposals are aimed at improving the most 
economically disadvantaged regions of the North of Ireland, through the 
condition that only articles grown, produced, or manufactured in such 
areas will qualify for this proposal duty-free treatment. Those 
employers who seek to take advantage of the incentive must also be in 
compliance with the principles of economic justice dealing with fair 
employment, namely the MacBride Principles.
  The widespread enthusiasm for the trade free zone among the parties 
of Northern Ireland and many others, is indeed proof that agreement can 
be reached, if the Government of the United States, Britain, and the 
Republic of Ireland are willing to take advantage of the opportunity 
H.R. 3599 provides. Although the arduous path of political compromise 
and solution has yet to be forthcoming in Northern Ireland today, 
increased economic prosperity in the region would help lay the 
foundation of goodwill and trust, which are required now more than 
ever.

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