asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he intends to establish a State-sponsored body or agency to administer the allocation of overseas development assistance.
31.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Overseas Development Council.
30.
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he intends to establish an overseas development council representative of the interests involved to advise on this country's overseas development assistance policy.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 30 and 31 together. I am at present reviewing all aspects of our overseas development assistance policy and I hope to be in a position to indicate the Government's intentions in regard to such matters as those referred to in the questions in the fairly near future.
I should like to ask the Minister what the "very near future" means? Is it the near immediate future or the very immediate future? I am sorry to question the Minister but his definition would help.
I accept the Deputy's interest. I should like to say that I have had consultations with those most directly concerned and I have indicated to them that I hope by next month to be able to have a round table conference. For those who press I should like to say that my predecessor gave a commitment in 1974 that there would be a White Paper in the beginning of 1975 and, therefore, I do not think they are in a strong position to talk about a timetable.
Would the Minister bear in mind that Ireland is a most acceptable country in the Third World for the operation of development assistance not merely on a bilateral basis, but, indeed, on a multilateral basis? Many indications have been given—the most recent by the EEC in Brussels—that Ireland is not yet availing of the opportunities open to her which would operate to the advantage of the countries we would be seeking to assist and of Irish business. Would the Minister make a special effort to involve the private sector because while the State is making its contribution through DEVCO there is a need to involve the private sector that is missing out on many opportunities in the Third World?
The question the Deputy has raised by way of supplementary is referred to in a number of formal questions. The question before us relates to the structures for development aid. If the Deputy permits me, I will deal with this question when it arises.