The annual debate on the Estimates of the Department of Foreign Affairs presents a useful opportunity for us to review the broad spectrum of issues which arise in our dealings with the rest of the world. While opportunities to debate individual questions arise fairly regularly — there was a discussion of the Cecchini report on the European Community's Internal Market a few weeks ago, for example — it is only during consideration of the Estimates that there is the possibility of a general debate in which Deputies can express views on any aspect of foreign policy that concerns them.
Fortunately, I do not think there is much dispute in this House and in the country about our main foreign policy concerns and interests and the principles on which they are based: (1) We believe that our interests, and those of all other states, are best served by respect for the rule of law in international affairs; (2) Our membership of the European Community is of central importance in our approach to international affairs. We are committed to the Community enterprise of economic integration and political co-operation directed towards European Union; (3) We strongly believe in and support the United Nations system; (4) We want to see a continuation of the improvement in relations between East and West, further progress in arms control and disarmament and negotiated solutions to regional conflicts; (5) We look to eventual achievement of the goal of general and complete disarmament set by the United Nations nearly 30 years ago. We are encouraged in particular by the commitment of the United States and the Soviet Union to pursue, as the first priority, the goal of the reduction of nuclear weapons and, ultimately, their elimination. (6) We will maintain our policy of military neutrality; (7) We uphold the values of Western liberal democracy and respect for human rights; (8) We are committed to the peaceful reunification of our country by consent; (9) We are determined to protect the interests of our citizens abroad, including our emigrants in Britain, the United States and elsewhere; (10) We are intent on maintaining conditions favourable to international trade, investment and tourism; (11) Within the limits of our resources we are determined to make a commitment in solidarity to help developing countries.
It is important to have a general national understanding on the principles on which our foreign policy is based. The day-to-day application of these principles to concrete international issues is what the conduct of foreign policy is all about. In many cases the foreign policy issues we face will be looked at in the context of the close co-operation with our neighbours and partners which Community membership and participation in European political co-operation entail.
In the case of those many foreign policy questions that fall to be considered in the first instance in the framework of our Community membership, our foreign policy aims are achieved, in co-operation with our partners, through the effective taking into account of the Irish point of view in the determination of Community policy or of Twelve joint positions in EPC.
I would now like to refer to the main issues requiring our attention at the moment. The problems of Northern Ireland have remained at the forefront of the Government's concern over the past year. The atrocities of the past year, and indeed of the past few days in Northern Ireland, have deeply saddened all of us. The Taoiseach has spoken for all of us in his condemnation of these terrible atrocities. Our most heartfelt sympathy goes to the family and friends of all the victims of violence. It goes without saying that the bomb and the bullet can have no part to play in the achievement of political progress. We condemn violence unequivocally; it is not only horrific in itself but counter-productive in terms of the stated aims of its perpetrators.
The Government believe that a lasting solution to the Northern Ireland problem, leading to peace, reconciliation and stability, can only be found through the Anglo-Irish framework established in 1980. The Government are using in full — actively and imaginatively — the mechanisms of the Anglo-Irish Agreement of November 1985 to bring about reforms and improvements in Northern Ireland. The Intergovernmental Conference has been meeting regularly throughout the year and the Joint Secretariat in Belfast continues to operate fully, performing effectively the functions it was designed to accomplish.
In implementing the agreement the Government have sought to broaden the agenda of the Intergovernmental Conference while continuing to press for progress on those items which had dominated the attention of the Conference from the outset. We have forthrightly put forward views and proposals as provided for in the agreement.
Equal access to job opportunities may be regarded as the touchstone of a fair society. It is arguable that, more than any other single factor, it was the long experience of discrimination in employment which added most to the alienation of Nationalists in Northern Ireland. That legacy of discrimination can only be overcome by a vigorous and activist approach which will hold realistic promise of change. An essential part of such an approach is a clear commitment to affirmative action programmes specifically designed to ensure a more equitable distribution of job opportunities. The fair employment issue has been among those which has been most actively on the agenda of the Intergovernmental Conference since this Government assumed office.
The Government continue to encourage the stimulation of North-South economic co-operation especially for projects likely to increase employment possibilities in both parts of Ireland. The International Fund for Ireland has a special role to play in this area and we are grateful to all those who contribute to it. I am pleased to be able to report, following detailed discussions in the Conference, on a recent joint Irish and British approach to the European Community and we are gratified by indications that the Community may now be favourably disposed to contributing to the fund.
Tackling the economic wasteland of west Belfast is, in our view, another priority for the Intergovernmental Conference. In our contacts with the British side, through the Conference and the Secretariat, we continue to insist on the need to ensure that the security forces and the administration of justice in Northern Ireland are such that they can command the support of both communities. We are encouraged in this regard by the emphasis in the Joint Statement of the Intergovernmental Conference of 25 March on giving a new impetus to the programme of work in this area. That impetus is recognised by both Governments as especially required in the light of the dreadful events which occurred in the early part of the year.
The Government in particular attached priority to finding measures which will deal effectively with the problems which arise from everyday contact between the ordinary person and the security forces in Northern Ireland. The most frequent complaints which come to my Department from Nationalists in Northern Ireland concern harassment by members of the security forces. This is a difficult and longstanding issue and one not easy to resolve but I can assure the House that the Government are using the Anglo-Irish Conference and Secretariat to the fulliest extent in our efforts to control the problem and to deal with it.
Extradition according to law is an important element in the efforts of civilised countries to ensure their security. Issues which arose concerning arrangements by the British authorities to meet the provisions of present Irish legislation have now been resolved. Despite the difficulties which arose in a specific case earlier this week, I believe that extradition requests will now be dealt with in a manner which contributes to security while protecting the legitimate rights of the citizen.
In the security area, we have two priority objectives: (1) the protection of the security of this State and (2) the protection, to the utmost of our ability, of the interests and security of all the people of Northern Ireland. It is clearly in the interest of all of us living on this island that security co-operation be as effective as possible.
The Anglo-Irish relationship is both a very close and a very complex one. The state of the relationship at any given time tends to be very significantly influenced by developments in Northern Ireland but there is also a series of issues which may be primarily regarded as East-West rather than North-South ones. Among the issues affecting Anglo-Irish relations over the past year were the Birmingham Six trial and its outcome, continuing concern about the Guildford Four and Maguire cases, and the operation of the Prevention of Terrorism Act. We will continue our discussions with the British authorities on the Birmingham Six and other cases as well as on the operation of the Prevention of Terrorism Act.
In an eloquent and perceptive speech on Anglo-Irish relations on 22 April, Sir Geoffrey Howe spoke of the multiple ties which bind our two countries and of the responsibility of both Governments to tackle the very difficult problems which confront them. It is our wish also that Anglo-Irish relations should be as positive and productive as possible and that the problems which arise in the relationship should be resolved in a timely and constructive way.
Currently there are signs that a process of reflection and re-examination of issues is going on at many levels and in many quarters within Northern Ireland. I am hopeful that this process will lead to positive and concrete results. For the Government's part, the Taoiseach has made clear on a number of occasions that he is willing to engage in dialogue with any parties which have renounced the use of violence and that, in particular, he would welcome hearing at first hand, and without preconditions, the views of the Unionist community.
Turning to the Irish abroad may I congratulate the Irish team and their management most sincerely on their achievements in the European Championship. In particular I might congratulate the 15,000 or so Irish supporters whose conduct has been a credit to themselves and their country. These merry, jovial ambassadors and their enthusiasm have enhanced the good name of Ireland. I wish them well for the remainder of the championship.
My Department have been active on the emigration issue over the past year, in particular in the United States where the status of many of our recent emigrants is unclear or uncertain.
The Government's policy has two main strands. In the first place we have encouraged moves for legislative reform in the United States. The Government are hopeful that reforms will be enacted this year that will improve substantially the situation of those of our citizens who wish to live and work legally in the United States.
The second major strand in our policy is in the welfare and advisory area. I can say that the harnessing of the dedicated expertise and energies of the local immigration groups in the United States is already bearing fruit.
The Government have also been active in monitoring emigration trends in other areas of importance to our young emigrants. A grant of IR£250,000 was made available to the DÍON Committee at the embassy in London to supplement the efforts being made by various social welfare bodies working among our emigrants in Britain which is, as before, attracting most of those who emigrate. Our embassies in Canberra and Ottawa and in the countries of the EC are also monitoring the position in their countries and providing advice to newly arrived immigrants when called upon to do so.
Following his return from the United States in April, the Taoiseach decided to improve the co-ordination of the activities of Departments here at home involved in emigration matters. A special interdepartmental committee has been set up under the aegis of my Department to do this.
With the coming into force of the Single European Act on 1 July 1987 the Community took as significant a step forward as has been taken on any occasion since the signing of the Treaty of Rome in 1957. After the Single European Act came into force attention focused mainly on the Commission proposals — the Delors Plan aptly entitled Making a success of the Single Act— which represented the blueprint for the future economic regeneration of the Community. It was this package of proposals which provided the focus for the lengthy and complex negotiations which culminated in agreement at the Brussels European Council on 11-12 February last.
This outcome of the European Council reflects acceptance by our Community partners of the need to ensure that progress towards the internal market is paralleled by progress on cohesion.
The European Council agreed an overall expansion of the Community's funding sufficient to implement the new policies introduced by the Single Act. The Community's finances have thus been placed on a sound footing in the medium term. The budgetary wrangles which have hamstrung the implementation of agreed policies in recent years can be put behind us. The recent adoption of a Community Budget for 1988 is a welcome indication of progress in this regard.
The agreement on agriculture stabilisers reached at the European Council represents the culmination of the process or reform of the common agricultural policy which has been underway for some years. While the process of reform has entailed painful decisions for most member states, including Ireland it was necessary in order to ensure that the long-term viability of the common agricultural policy was secured.
The decisions taken at the European Council provide a stable and adequately-financed basis for the effective future operation of the CAP. The Government are determined that the CAP should continue to serve its fundamental objectives, in particular the safeguarding of family farm incomes. We will actively seek to ensure that it also provides a suitable framework for the further development of agriculture and of our food industry.
Community assistance to the less developed regions is of major importance to Ireland. This assistance has made an important contribution to the economic and social development of the country and to the living standards of our people. It has helped us in our continuing efforts to close the gap between Ireland and the more prosperous member states.
Community commitment to narrowing that gap was given a new impetus in the Single European Act in that the policy of cohesion for the first time was given Treaty status.
The main thrust of the Commission's proposals, particularly those relating to reform of the Structural Funds, was endorsed at the Brussels council where it was decided that the resources available for the three structural funds would increase from £7 billion ECUs in 1987 to £14 billion ECUs in 1993. The European Council in an effort to concentrate the funds where they are most needed. decided that the contribution to the less developed regions would be doubled by 1992 and that a special effort would be made for the least prosperous regions which will include Ireland. This outcome was welcomed by Ireland as we had been one of the strongest supporters of the Commission's proposals in the negotiations leading up to the European Council.
Negotiations continue on the precise details of the new arrangements and are now virtually completed. We have, at all stages during the negotiations, made every effort to ensure that adequate funding will be available during the coming years to make an effective contribution to the structural needs of our economy.
Agreement on the major reform of its finances and on the adequate funding of the Structural Funds has provided the Community with the necessary framework within which to concentrate its attention on the great objective of the completion of the internal market by 1992, as outlined in the Single Act. The Government are fully committed to the achievement of this objective. We look forward to the increased opportunities it will bring for Irish business.
In working for the early achievement of the internal market, with all the benefits it involves, the Government are also aware of the challenges it will create for Irish industry. The Government are thus working to soften the impact of the Commission's proposals on sectors of particular sensitivity for Ireland such as the insurance industry and tax harmonisation.
More broadly, the Government are concerned to ensure also that the achievement of the Single Market does not result in disproportionate gains for the more prosperous central regions of the Community.
The Government are determined to ensure that Irish business is fully aware of both the opportunities and the challenges posed by the impending completion of the interal market. To that end. The Government will be launching, on 4 July, a major public information and awareness campaign, designed to make both business and the general public aware of the implications of 1992.
One of the most encouraging aspects of our economic performance last year has been the growth of our exports. They exceeded £1 billion in value for the first time ever, and the likelihood is that that performance will be bettered this year. In fact, the surplus generated on our exports has been instrumental in our achieving a surplus in the balance of payments for the first time since 1967. This has been a remarkable achievement. The Government's strategy is calculated to enable our exporters to maintain the momentum they have built up and to develop their markets abroad.
As I have mentioned, the Single European Act came into force on 1 July last year, following ratification by all the member states. It has not changed the process of European political co-operation or the nature of our involvement in it. In EPC, the member states, operating on the basis of consensus, exchange information, consult together and seek to adopt common positions and to take joint action in the foreign policy field.
The promotion of a vigorous and effective United Nations is a central element in the Government's foreign policy. We welcome recent indications of a renewed interest on the part of UN member states in seeing the organisation fulfil its role as the main international forum where the most important issues are addressed. We have seen recently in the case of Afghanistan the positive results achieved by patient diplomacy conducted under United Nations auspices. In today's interdependent world many of the problems which we face transcend national frontiers and can only be resolved by effective action on a global basis. The work of the United Nations in such diverse areas as the resolution of regional conflicts, the fight against hunger in Africa, the protection of our environment and the battle against disease, indicates the absolute need for a universal institution through which our individual efforts can be channelled and co-ordinated.
One of the most important services provided by the United Nations to the international community is that rendered by the UN peace-keeping and observer forces. Ireland has a proud record of service in this area. It is a tribute to the standing of this country in the peace-keeping area, and in particular to the high esteem in which our Defence Forces are held within the UN, that we have been invited to participate in the new military inspection teams established on foot of the Geneva agreement concerning Afghanistan. Five Irish officers are at present serving as part of this force in Afghanistan and Pakistan. We have no doubt that they will carry out their duties with their customary skill and professionalism. We pay tribute also to Irish personnel serving with other UN forces: in Cyprus, on the India-Pakistan border and at various places in the Middle East, especially those with UNIFIL, our main contribution to UN peace-keeping at present.
We remain concerned at the conditions under which UNIFIL is obliged to operate. The Government have made clear at the United Nations, as well as in direct contacts with the Israeli authorities, the importance they attach to ensuring a more satisfactory position in this area and the unacceptability of any action which threatens the safety of our personnel.
The Government will continue to press for an improvement in the financial position of UNIFIL. We look to all member states to honour their obligations in regard to the financing of this Force and thereby ensure that it can continue to play its important role.
The past year has witnessed significant and welcome developments in the relationship between the superpowers. We are encouraged by the comprehensive nature of the dialogue now taking place and the opportunities it offers for the easing of tensions and the enhancement of international peace and security. The Government also attach great importance to the achievement of progress in disarmament at the multilateral level. As an earnest of the importance we attach to the role of the UN in this area, Ireland's keynote speech to the current third special session on disarmament of the United Nations General Assembly currently taking place in New York was delivered by the Taoiseach. My Department have overall responsibility for co-ordination of official development assistance (ODA).
The largest item is the bilateral aid fund which provides for the central Bilateral Assistance Programme (BAP) run by my Department. The allocation of £10 million for 1988 represents a significant reduction on the 1987 level of £14 million, a reduction necessitated by Ireland's current budgetary difficulties which have forced the Government to embark on a programme of wide-ranging expenditure cuts affecting all sectors and Departments. However, I can assure this House that the full range of programmes operated under the BAP has been maintained into 1988, albeit at a lower level of activity given the scaling down of resources. A basic programme of assistance to our priority and partner countries is being maintained and all of our commitments are being met.
Having visited Tanzania and Lesotho earlier this year I can confirm the standing of our Bilateral Aid Programme as a highly valued, high quality and effective mode of assistance. Despite the small scale of our aid we are making a serious impact on the problems our projects are designed to tackle.
I have outlined the main issues facing this country in the realm of foreign policy and the positions which the Government have taken and will continue to take on these issues. At a time of interesting developments on the world scene, many of which are, thankfully promising for the world as a whole, Ireland's foreign policy is one that is based on firm principles. We can make our contribution to internationl harmony by ensuring that the management of our international relations continues to be guided by these principles.
I commend the Estimate to the House.