[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 154 (Thursday, November 8, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2047]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                     INTERNATIONAL FUND FOR IRELAND

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSEPH CROWLEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 8, 2001

  Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the gentlelady's 
motion.
  Last year Mrs. Lowey and I, working with Chairman Callahan, Mr. Walsh 
and Speaker Hastert were successful in obtaining an appropriation of 
$25 million for the International Fund for Ireland. Funding for this 
project has never been as integral to the viability of a lasting peace 
in Northern Ireland, as it is right now.
  Since the creation of the Northern Ireland Assembly, the practice of 
crisis politics has been the norm, more often than the exception. In 
recent days, however, the Nationalists and the Unionists have finally 
arrived at a point that will allow them to move forward.
  I commend the IRA for their historic announcement of disarmament.
  I would also like to express my support for the election of Mark 
Durkan as Deputy First Minister, and the reelection of David Trimble as 
First Minister.
  After several difficult days, I am pleased to see that the parties 
have resolved the latest impasse and returned to the bargaining table.
  Despite the tremendous strides that have been made by both sides in 
Northern Ireland, it is difficult to celebrate these achievements while 
people are still being murdered in the streets of Belfast. When Ulster 
political leaders disagree, they debate, vote, and sometimes walk away 
from the bargaining table. When Unionists and Nationalists on the 
ground disagree, people die.
  The International Fund for Ireland promotes contact, cooperation and 
reconciliation between Unionists and Nationalists in Northern Ireland.
  By working together on issues of mutual concern such as building a 
strong economy, and maintaining safe neighborhoods, the fund helps 
secure peace where it must begin. Through person to person contact.
  IFI is a crucial instrument in ending the cycle of hate and violence 
that has consumed Northern Ireland for far too long. Therefore, it is 
essential that the Committee continue to fund IFI in the amount of $25 
million, and support the stronger language passed in the House version 
of this bill. The future of the children of Northern Ireland hangs in 
the balance. We cannot let them down.
  I urge my colleagues to support this motion.

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