US approves NI aid package

The US House of Representatives voted tonight to commit £31.6m over two years to advancing the peace process in Northern Ireland, renewing support for an international programme pushing economic development in the region.

The legislation, passed by a voice vote, would assure continued US participation in the International Fund for Ireland, which since 1986 has sought to help bring peace between the Catholic and Protestant communities in Northern Ireland by creating jobs and cross-community development.

Representative Christopher Smith, who sponsored the bill, said the United States has contributed £244m to the fund.

People are less likely to get caught up in sectarian strife when they have jobs, he said. The programme has created 37,500 jobs and supported 4,400 business projects, he said.

The legislation would approve £15.8 million each for fiscal years 2004 and 2005. It still must be considered in the Senate.

The House recommended that 80% of the aid go to economic development, and the other 20 percent to police training and other programmes that enhance relations between communities.