19 Apr 2012, 17:56
The Oireachtas Joint Committee on European Union Affairs was today invited by Joe Costello TD, Minister of State with responsibility for Trade and Development Minister Costello, to contribute to a review of the White Paper on Irish Aid.
The review was announced in June 2011, following a commitment set down in the Programme for Government, and is currently engaging in a national consultation.
Dominic Hannigan TD said: “Minister Costello, as former Chairman of this Committee, is highly aware of the positive impact that the European Union, has played in the developing world. The EU is collectively the world’s largest donor, accounting for over half of global development aid annually.
“Ireland can be rightly proud of its NGOs and public servants in contributing to the development of some of the world’s poorest countries. A number of Committee Members explained that the Ireland had lessons to offer developing countries, such as its expertise in food production and its transition to a globalised trade-based economy in recent decades. Much of the discussion by the Committee today focussed on how Ireland can use this enviable reputation to influence policy at European level, particularly in the context of next year’s EU Presidency.
“The Committee will take up Minister Costello’s invitation engage in this key review which will shape Irish Aid policy in the coming years. A transcript of today’s deliberations will be forwarded on to the expert advisory group overseeing the review and the Committee stands ready to contribute to Irish Aid policy development to ensure Ireland’s status in the area is maintained.”
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ENDS
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Committee Membership
Deputies
Dominic Hannigan, TD (Chairman)
Paschal Donohoe, TD (Vice-Chairman)
Timmy Dooley, TD
Bernard J Durkan, TD
Colm Keaveney, TD
Seán Kyne, TD
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn, TD
Joe O’Reilly, TD
Mick Wallace, TD
Senators
Colm Burke,
Fidelma Healy Eames,
James Heffernan,
Terry Leyden,
Kathryn Reilly