 Other explanations for the announcement being made at this time have been offered, including the idea that the change was already planned and an Irish newspaper was about to "break" the story.Whatever the reason the Republic of Ireland Act 1948 soon passed with support from all parties.In 1986, Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney announced that Canada would contribute up to $10 million over 10 years to Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland for economic and social development programs.