A centre for US studies is to be established by the Government in honour of former US President Bill Clinton.
The move was announced in Dublin tonight by Taoiseach Mr Bertie Ahern at a gala dinner to pay tribute to the ex-President. Mr Ahern spoke of "the unprecedented commitment and contribution of President Clinton to Ireland."
He said the government had been particularly conscious during the Clinton years that the study of Ireland and the Irish in American universities had reached new levels, but there had been no comparable US studies programme in Ireland.
"In order to fill this gap, and to promote greater understanding of America in this country, the government has decided to support the establishment of a William Jefferson Clinton Centre for American studies."
Mr Ahern said the centre would be set up after consideration of proposals that were being invited from universities by an evaluation panel chaired by Mr Dick Riley, who was a member of the Clinton cabinet.
The Irish government will contribute IR£2.5 million towards the building costs for the centre and IR£200,000 to yearly running costs.
The event at Dublin Castle to honour Mr Clinton was set to raise IR£700,000 for the Northern Ireland Fund for Reconciliation, with tables priced at IR£10,000 a time.
As well as Mr Clinton and Mr Ahern - and former US Senator and Northern Ireland peace-broker Mr George Mitchell - there were 200 guests, including many of the top names from showbusiness and political worlds.
Among those at the function were U2 lead singer Bono, also still celebrating the birth of his fourth child this week, Mr Bob Geldof and Irish-domiciled film actor Mr John Hurt.
Mr Ahern described Mr Clinton as "not just a statesman of great vision and ability, but a true friend."
He added: "Once again on this trip, I believe that the people of Ireland, north and south, have been making clear just how much they admire and respect President Clinton - in office or out of it."
Mr Ahern said Mr Clinton had played a crucial role in placing US support for the peace process right in the mainstream of American politics.
And he cited last week's decision by the Bush administration to designate the Real IRA - the bombers of Omagh - as a terrorist organisation as a move initiated during Mr Clinton's term of office.
Mr Clinton arrived in Ireland at the weekend and played golf on Sunday with former Labour Party leader Mr Dick Spring at Ballybunion, Ireland's best-known links course.
Yesterday he met both Mr Ahern and President Mary McAleese before delivering the annual Independent Lecture at Dublin's Trinity College university.
Tomorrow the ex-president goes to Northern Ireland.
PA