US Congress recommends $10.8m to IFI

The Chairman of the International Fund for Ireland (IFI) has welcomed yesterday’s recommendation by the Appropriations Committee of the US House of Representatives of a $10.8m (€8.43m) contribution from the US administration to the IFI in 2007.

“This recommendation is a real vote of confidence in the young people and communities which benefit from the programmes of the IFI,” said fund chairman Denis Rooney.

“These programmes address the root causes of conflict in our society: economic and social disadvantage, sectarianism and marginalisation.

“With a contribution of this level we can continue to target the areas of greatest need and ensure the goals we set ourselves.

“As we continue to work to build a secure and peaceful future for the island of Ireland, the goodwill and support of the American people will be critical to our efforts.”