Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 9 Feb 2000

Vol. 514 No. 1

Written Answers. - World Trade Discussions.

Seán Ryan

Question:

161 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the plans, if any, he or his EU colleagues have to develop a broader concept of multi-functional agriculture which recognises the importance of agriculture in the majority world countries for both food security and employment. [3691/00]

Seán Ryan

Question:

162 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will seek an agreement for the establishment of consultative mechanisms with farming organisations and other appropriate bodies in the majority world in the context of his discussions with his fellow EU Agriculture Ministers. [3692/00]

Seán Ryan

Question:

163 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the proposals, if any, to provide information and technical support to majority world countries arising from the World Trade Organisation meeting in Seattle. [3693/00]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 161 to 163, inclusive, together.

The multi-functional role of agriculture is the basis of the Agenda 2000 agreement which was finalised by the EU Heads of Government in Berlin in March 1999. At that meeting, the heads of Government also decided that the Agenda 2000 agreement would constitute an essential element of the EU's negotiating position for the WTO negotiations and the negotiating mandate given to the European Commission by the Council of Ministers reflects that decision. The EU is therefore committed to safeguarding the multi-functional nature of European agriculture. Moreover, in fulfilling its mandate, the Commission has been developing support for the concept among other members of the WTO and in particular among majority world countries, to many of whom the concept is important.

While I would be open to consultative mechanisms with farming organisations and other appropriate bodies in the majority world, the most appropriate means of consultation on majority world issues is at intergovernmental level.

As far as technical assistance for the majority world is concerned, the WTO will be examining ways of enhancing its technical assistance capacity. Ireland has been involved on a practical level on this issue through its financial contribution for the establishment of the advisory centre on WTO law. Ireland has provided an initial contribution of $1 million, with $250,000 a year for a minimum of five years. This advisory centre will provide much needed advice and expertise to developing countries, in particular, on their rights and obligations under WTO Law. Technical assistance for the majority world is also provided by other international organisations such as the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation, FAO. In 1996 the World Food Summit, WFS, underlined in its conclusions the importance of trade issues to food security. The Government fully shares that perspective and participates actively in the follow-up process to the WFS, which provides a mechanism for international consultation on food security.