Crowley Led Funding for Irish Programs Passes House

Press Release

Today, Congressman Joseph Crowley (NY-07), Chief Deputy Whip, announced that $15 million in funding for International co-existence and reconciliation programs passed the House as part of the Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill conference report. The funding, which includes $500,000 for Project Children and Cooperation Ireland will be released to eligible programs as soon as the President signs the bill.

"With all of the progress that has been made in recent months with the peace process in the north of Ireland, it is essential that we continue to invest in programs like Project Children and Cooperation Ireland. These programs offer hope for future generations. and I feel strongly that we must continue to encourage young people to work through conflict as we continue to work through the peace process in the north of Ireland," remarked Crowley.

The initiatives of Project Children and Cooperation Ireland include a targeted effort to reach working class young people most susceptible to paramilitary pressures as well as leadership and diversity training for the many university students in the north of Ireland who want to move beyond the sectarian pressures imposed upon them.

The United States government has a long-standing bipartisan policy of fostering reconciliation and mutual understanding in Ireland. Since the July announcement by the IRA that they would lay down their arms, significant progress has been made, but it is only the beginning. Developing a sense of trust and shared purpose among the young people of the north of Ireland and the Republic is an effective way to grow the peace and foster reconciliation at the community level.

"These programs leave an imprint on the minds of the young people who participate. By forging early bonds between the future generations of Irish leaders, I hope we will finally have peace in the north of Ireland," continued Crowley.

http://crowley.house.gov/news/record.asp?id=734

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