Mr President, I would like to speak to that line of the budget that refers to the increase in funds for the International Fund for Ireland.

I do not propose to repeat what I said in this House at the last part-session. My mind has not changed. In fact my opinion has been reinforced by the many people throughout the length and breadth not only of Northern Ireland but also the Republic of Ireland who have contacted me. They made it very clear that they agreed with my comments on that fraud. It does not have credibility or competence and there is a lack of monitoring and control of that fund. I would have to ask the rapporteurs to think very carefully and ensure, if there is going to be an increase of monies to the International Fund, that it will be properly monitored and that it would be responsible to elected representatives in some way. There is tremendous concern about this fund.

Certainly we in Northern Ireland need an awful lot and I am not rejecting extra funding. I welcome extra funding for a new beginning to end the impositions of the past but I would ask the rapporteurs to consider supporting the Commission taskforce with the extra funding.