[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 117 (Friday, August 2, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1489-E1491]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             UNITED STATES-NORTHERN IRELAND FREE TRADE ZONE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. THOMAS J. MANTON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 2, 1996

  Mr. MANTON. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to introduce legislation that 
will begin the process of establishing a free trade zone relationship 
between the United States, Northern Ireland and the border counties of 
the Irish Republic.
  Mr. Speaker, on June 10, 1996, representatives from the political 
parties in Northern Ireland came together to attempt to change the 
political landscape of Northern Ireland forever. Past acrimony, 
grievances, and strife are the subject of the all-party talks. Those 
participating in the talks have received a clear and powerful charge 
from the voters of Northern Ireland. That charge is nothing less than 
to fashion a new, progressive, peaceful, and equitable society for all 
the citizens of Northern Ireland regardless of their political or 
religious persuasion. The mandate they have and the responsibility they 
bear is to secure the peace and common good.
  While the representatives to the talks labor to overcome their own 
burdens of history and to reach into the future, the legislation I am 
introducing will operate to guarantee the economic future and 
prosperity for all the citizens of Northern Ireland and the border 
counties.

[[Page E1490]]

Peace in Northern Ireland without hope for a real economic future is a 
cold peace. Only a society that is capable of competing and thriving in 
an intensely competitive economic environment can have any real 
expectation of social and political cohesion. The trade relationship 
this legislation will engender affords this most troubled region the 
economic tool to close the economic gap with other more prosperous 
regions of the United Kingdom and the European Union.
  This legislation represents the marker of Congress. It says, very 
clearly, to all the parties who will be fashioning the political future 
of Northern Ireland that Congress will walk this arduous path with 
them. When their road becomes steep and obstacles abound, which will 
happen in the upcoming talks, this legislation makes it clear that 
Congress stands by them. This legislation says that there is good 
reason for them to hope and to strive for a better future.
  To our friends in the European Union, I say, join with us in this 
worthy endeavor. The seminal importance of Union participation and 
approval is clearly noted. As you review this initiative through the 
lens of your own policies and regulations, I ask you to consider this 
legislation in a spirit of liberality, generosity, and creativity. As 
Jacques Santer so correctly noted in his recent speech to the Irish 
Institute For European Affairs in Dublin, as he reviewed the prospect 
of all party talks, ``* * * the problems of the future and their 
solutions are sufficiently to those of the past to require new thinking 
and new attitudes.'' Further, I submit that a free trade relationship 
between the United States and Northern Ireland and the border counties 
will operate as a new and predictive paradigm for future trade 
relations between the worlds two most powerful economies.
  To our friends in the United Kingdom, I ask you to view this endeavor 
in the spirit that it is offered. Work with us in a committed and 
cooperative manner. The special and historical nature of the 
relationship between our counties should bind us together and make us 
of one mind as we pursue all possible paths toward a new day for 
Northern Ireland. Together with the Republic of Ireland and the 
European Union, you have been carrying the burden of the peace maker. 
Let your friends lift up some of that burden. While this initiative has 
some unique attributes, your continued good will and efforts will 
guarantee that this proposal establishes a new high water mark in all 
our joint labors to bring peace and prosperity to Northern Ireland.
  Mr. Speaker, the legislation that I am introducing, puts at the 
disposal of the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the European Union, the 
one tool that only Congress can provide. A favorable trade relationship 
with the United States--albeit one that conforms to the needs of both 
the EU and GATT--can and will operate as an engine for economic 
progress. Further, it can do so without noticeable or negative impact 
on this country's own trade relationships.
  Upon effectuation of this trade relationship, much depends upon what 
the contracting parties to this agreement make out of it. I have every 
confidence that--with the able assistance of both the United Kingdom 
and the Republic of Ireland--the people of Northern Ireland and the 
border will firmly grasp this unique opportunity. In sum, this 
legislation will give them the ability to revitalize their economy 
through trade, not aid.
  Mr. Speaker, for all the people of good will in Northern Ireland, 
their future is before them. Their time is now. Let us join with them 
on their voyage to a brighter tomorrow. Let us not fail them.
  Mr. Speaker, I include the following letters of support for this 
important legislation.

                                          European Parliament,

                                                     June 6, 1996.
     Hon. Benjamin A. Gilman,
     Chairman, Committee on International Relations, Washington, 
         DC.
       Dear Mr. Chairman: As you know, there is currently pending 
     for your considerations, draft legislation that would begin 
     the legislative process of establishing a free trade area 
     between the United States, Northern Ireland and the border 
     counties of the Irish Republic. Because of your unstinting 
     efforts to find imaginative ways for your country to assist 
     in securing the peace and prosperity of Northern Ireland and 
     the border counties, I can think of no one better situated to 
     initiate and shepherd this important legislative effort.
       The current legislative initiative that you are considering 
     could, in my opinion, represent the key ingredient in 
     bringing a severely disadvantaged area of this island into 
     economic parity with other areas of the European Union. As 
     you know, Northern Ireland and the border counties' area will 
     lose their EU Objective 1 status in 1999, when they reach 75% 
     economic parity with the rest of the union. Attendant funding 
     with that status will be reduced or eliminated. My fear is 
     that there will always be that remaining 25% deficit that 
     cannot be bridged without our acquisition of an economic 
     development tool to close and secure that gap. The proposed 
     legislation before you will achieve that goal and 
     interestingly, assist in achieving the EU's own internal 
     policy of economic and social cohesion and parity.
       Mr. Chairman, no area of the European Union has suffered 
     the kinds of assaults on its people or the pressures on its 
     economy as has Northern Ireland and the border counties. 
     There is simply no parallel with any other area in the EU. 
     Standard, unimaginative responses to our current economic 
     reality are likely to fall short. The legislation you are 
     currently contemplating will give us a unique and powerful 
     tool to regenerate and revitalize those areas of Northern 
     Ireland and the border areas of the Republic that have been 
     flattened by civil discord and neglected and forgotten 
     because of geographic isolation and peripherality.
       As I look at this initiative, I can state that I am aware 
     of and conversant with the hurdles that will need to be 
     cleared for this legislation to succeed in London, Dublin and 
     Brussels. Innovative solutions will always be met with 
     initial scepticism and doubt. However, my view is that there 
     are no impediments this proposal presents that cannot be 
     managed. As for myself, I can give you every assurance that I 
     will do all in my power as a member of the European 
     Parliament to speed this initiative on its way in Strasbourg 
     and Brussels. I am confident that I will be joined, shoulder 
     to shoulder by my fellow MEPs from Ireland, north and south.
       Mr. Chairman, on 10 June 1996, representatives of all or 
     nearly all political parties in Northern Ireland will begin 
     talks to secure the future peace for Northern Ireland. The 
     legislation you are considering could help guarantee the 
     future prosperity of the region. My request of you would be 
     that you introduce the legislation prior to commencement of 
     all party talks to demonstrate that a successful conclusion 
     to those talks can and will yield a brighter tomorrow. As you 
     move this legislation forward, know that I and my colleagues 
     will stand with you.
           Yours sincerely,
                                                        John Hume.
                                  ____
                                  


                                   Irish National Caucus, Inc.

                                                     June 4, 1996.
     Hon. Ben Gilman,
     Chairman, House International Relations Committee, 
         Washington, DC.
       Dear Ben: I want you to know that the Irish National Caucus 
     supports the proposed Bill creating a Free Trade Agreement 
     between the United States and Northern Ireland and the Border 
     Counties.
       Such an Agreement would be a powerful ``boost'' to those 
     troubled and depressed areas. And since the MacBride 
     Principles would be attached, the ``boost'' would be done in 
     a way consistent with fair employment and nondiscrimination.
       This combined approach--U.S. aid to the most disadvantaged 
     parts of Ireland, with fairness and equality for all--is an 
     approach that accurately reflects your own long record of 
     concern for Ireland.
       You can count on our support for this imaginative and 
     practical way of promoting economic stability, justice and 
     peace in Ireland.
           Sincerely,
                                                 Fr. Sean McManus,
     President.
                                                                    ____



                              Irish American Unity Conference,

                                                     June 4, 1996.
     Hon. Benjamin Gilman,
     Chairman, Committee on International Relations, Washington, 
         DC.
       Dear Mr. Chairman: Currently pending for your consideration 
     is draft legislation that would, if enacted and approved by 
     all parties, establish a free trade area relationship between 
     the United States, Northern Ireland and the six border 
     counties of the Republic. As we understand it, the draft 
     legislation encourages and expects the participation and 
     eventual approval of the European Union, the United Kingdom 
     and the Republic of Ireland.
       The Irish American Unity Conference is one of the 
     preeminent organizations that have worked to secure peace 
     with justice in Ireland. To ensure a lasting peace it is 
     imperative that economic disparity, a cause of conflict in 
     itself, is addressed. Of particular concern to us are the 
     most economically deprived areas of Northern Ireland, such as 
     West Belfast and the border counties. We have found that this 
     legislation adequately addresses these areas by specifically 
     naming such areas and by the inclusion of the MacBride 
     Principles for fair employment.
       Mr. Chairman, we have reviewed this free trade zone 
     proposal and found it to be advantageous to business in both 
     the US and Ireland and we are pleased to support the 
     initiative. We are ever grateful of your own commitment to 
     peace through justice in Ireland, consistently proven through 
     the years you have been in Congress.
       We thank you for your consideration and look forward to 
     working with you on this legislation.
           Sincerely,
     IAUC Executive Committee.
     James A. Delaney.
     Daniel P. O'Kennedy.
     Noreen A. Walsh.
     Bernadete C. Pehrson.
     Marie T. Smith.
                                  ____
                                  

[[Page E1491]]


                                                 House of Commons,
                                                  London, England.
     Hon. Benjamin A. Gilman
     Chairman Committee on International Relations, House of 
         Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Mr. Chairman: You are shortly scheduled to meet with a 
     delegation from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. 
     The delegation will be seeking your support for a legislative 
     initiative that I regard as one of the most promising 
     economic development proposals on the horizon for my 
     beleaguered party of Northern Ireland. The initiative would 
     have a profoundly positive impact on other deprived areas of 
     Northern Ireland and the border region of the Republic as 
     well. I am speaking of the proposed legislation that would 
     begin the process of creating a free trade relationship 
     between your country, Northern Ireland, and the border 
     counties of the Republic.
       Mr. Chairman, it was my intention to be with and lead the 
     Irish delegation you are about to meet with to communicate 
     personally just how important this initiative is for the 
     economic future of Northern Ireland and the border counties. 
     Following the recent Northern Ireland election however, the 
     preparations within my political party for the forthcoming 
     all party talks have foreclosed the possibility of my absence 
     from Northern Ireland, even for one day. However, I look 
     towards the very near future when we can meet and personally 
     discuss this legislation as it begins its legislative journey 
     through Congress.
       I believe it is very important to communicate to you my 
     personal commitment to do all in my power, both within the 
     SDLP and inside the House of Commons, to support this 
     endeavour. I am conversant with current UK reservations. 
     Together with my parliamentary colleagues I shall endeavour 
     to bring about a sea change in opinion within the current UK 
     government. While the proposed legislation requires the 
     efforts and goodwill from both London and Brussels, I see no 
     barrier that cannot be overcome. This opportunity is simply 
     too important to be allowed to flounder.
       Mr. Chairman, the delegation you will meet with speak for 
     me. They will ask you to assist in introducing this 
     legislation immediately. That is my request. What you are 
     being asked to consider will help to bring a new day to 
     Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland. Move 
     forward and we will be with you.
           Kind regards,
                                                Joe Hendron, M.P.,
     West Belfast.
                                                                    ____



                                     Newtowngore, Co. Leitrim.

                                                     May 28, 1996.
     Hon. Benjamin A. Gilman,
     Chairman, Committee on International Relations, Washington, 
         DC.
       Dear Mr. Chairman: As you know, there is currently pending 
     for your consideration, draft legislation that would begin 
     the legislative process of establishing a free trade area 
     between the United States, Northern Ireland and the border 
     counties of the Irish Republic. Because of your unstinting 
     efforts to find imaginative ways for your country to assist 
     in securing the peace and prosperity of Northern Ireland and 
     the border counties, I can think of no one better situated to 
     initiate and shepherd this important legislative effort.
       The current legislative initiative that you are considering 
     could, in my opinion, represent the key ingredient in 
     bringing a severely disadvantaged area of this island into 
     economic parity with other areas of the European Union. As 
     you know, Northern Ireland and the border counties' area will 
     lose their EU Objective 1 status in 1999, when they reach 75 
     percent economic parity with the rest of the union. Attendant 
     funding with that status will be reduced or eliminated. My 
     fear is that there will always be that remaining 25 percent 
     deficit that cannot be bridged absent our acquisition of an 
     economic development tool to close and secure that gap. The 
     proposed legislation before you will achieve that goal and 
     interestingly, assist in achieving the EU's own internal 
     policy of economic and social cohesion and parity.
       Mr. Chairman, no area of the European Union has suffered 
     the kinds of assaults on its people or the pressures on its 
     economy as Northern Ireland and the border counties. There is 
     simply no parallel with any other area in the EU. Standard, 
     unimaginative responses to our current economic reality are 
     likely to fall short. The legislation you are currently 
     contemplating will give us a unique and powerful tool to 
     regenerate and revitalize those areas of Northern Ireland and 
     the border areas of the Republic that have been flattened by 
     civil discord and neglected and forgotten because of 
     geographic isolation and peripherality.
       As I look at this initiative, I can state that I am aware 
     of and conversant with the hurdles that will need to be 
     cleared for this legislation to succeed in London, Dublin and 
     Brussels. Innovative solutions will always be met with 
     initial skepticism and doubt. However, my view is that there 
     is no impediments this proposal presents that cannot be 
     managed. As for myself, I can give you every assurance that I 
     will do all in my power as a Member of the European 
     Parliament to speed this initiative on its way in Strasbourg 
     and Brussels. I am confident that I will be joined, shoulder 
     to shoulder by my fellow MEPs from Ireland, North and South.
       Mr. Chairman, on June 10th, 1996, representatives of all or 
     nearly all political parties in Northern Ireland will begin 
     talks to secure the future peace for Northern Ireland. The 
     legislation you are considering could help guarantee the 
     future prosperity of the region. My request to you would be 
     that you introduce the legislation prior to commencement of 
     all party talks to demonstrate that a successful conclusion 
     to those talks can and will yield a brighter tomorrow. As you 
     move this legislation forward, know that I and my colleagues 
     will stand with you.
           Best Regards.
                                             John Joseph McCartin,
     Member, European Parliament.

                          ____________________