Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 30 May 1996

Vol. 466 No. 3

Written Answers. - Lomé Convention.

Seán Haughey

Question:

44 Mr. Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will ensure that the issue of the future of the Lomé Convention is placed high on the agenda during the Irish Presidency of the EU in order that the relationship between the ACP-EU countries continues to be maintained and fostered. [11115/96]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

On 21 May the Dáil approved the terms of an agreement, signed in Mauritius in November 1995, amending the Fourth Lomé Convention. The revised convention will expire in February 2000.

The European Commission intends to publish a Green Paper in October 1996 on possible arrangements for future post-Lomé co-operation with the ACP states. While formal negotiations on successor arrangements to Lomé are not likely to begin until mid-1998, informal discussions may take place in the period following the publication of the Commission paper.

Ireland intends to play an active and constructive part in these discussions. The Government attaches great importance to the ACP-EU partnership. We also recognise the need to ensure the maximum effectiveness and impact of the Community's development co-operation instruments.

I hope that the debate on post-Lomé arrangements will take place in a spirit of partnership and openness. It is hoped, following the publication of the Commission Green Paper, that a first exchange of views on future arrangements between the EU and the African, Caribbean and Pacific States can take place, during the Irish Presidency, at a meeting of the Council of Development Ministers.