asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that in developing countries degradation of soil and impoverishment of forests, natural vegetation and water resources through continuing over-exploitation can result in famine which will become vastly more critical through increases of population; and if he will demand United Nations action to remedy all human and resource needs.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Over-Exploitation of Resources.
13.
The problem of famine in the world, which is of such deep concern to us all, is due to a variety of factors. The United Nations and its specialised agencies have made a substantial and ever increasing contribution to the elimination of the causes of famine, including those mentioned by the Deputy, through programmes designed, in particular, to increase agricultural production and to deal with population problems.
The international community has shown itself ready to respond rapidly with assistance to the victims of famine and other disasters. The Irish people have a strong tradition of generosity in such circumstances.
Proposals for a world food conference in 1974 are at present before the UN General Assembly in New York and the FAO conference in Rome. I hope that such a conference will result in recommendations for a comprehensive series of actions to deal with the problem of inadequate food supplies.