Liam Aylward
Question:48 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade his views on the trade aspects of the EU LOMÉ Programme. [14059/95]
Written Answers. - EU LOMÉ Programme.
Tony Killeen
Question:143 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade his views on the trade aspects of the EU LOMÉ Programme. [14150/95]
David Andrews
Question:151 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade his views on the trade aspect of the EU LOMÉ Programme. [14158/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 48, 143 and 151 together.
Ireland fully supports the EU LOMÉ Programme, including the trade development elements which provide for preferential access to the EU market for a wide range of goods from 70 African, Carribean, and Pacific, ACP, countries. Trade is of crucial importance to these countries as a means of promoting sustainable economic and social development and contributing to the alleviation of poverty. I welcome the successful outcome of the EU-ACP negotiations on the mid term review of LOMÉ IV, which will be formally adopted next month, and the renewed commitment to give priority to trade development in the context of national and regional programmes of EU-ACP co-operation under the new financial Protocol of the Eighth European Development Fund.