John Bruton
Question:78 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on the inclusion of a social clause in the World Trade Organisation agreement. [3360/00]
Written Answers. - World Trade Negotiations.
I strongly support the inclusion of trade and labour standards on the agenda of the World Trade Organisation – WTO. The topic has proven to be a very sensitive one which has caused considerable controversy between developed and developing countries as the latter fear that protectionist reasons underlie requests for WTO work on the issue. These differences continued to be obvious during the recent WTO ministerial meeting in Seattle.
Because of these sensitivities it is essential that any WTO initiatives should involve the widest participation of WTO members and should also have regard for the existing role and responsibility of the International Labour Organisation – ILO.
As part of a comprehensive agenda for WTO new round negotiations and in association with our European Union partners, Ireland has supported a proposal for the establishment of a joint ILO-WTO standing working forum on trade, globalisation and labour issues. This would aim to promote a better understanding of the issues involved through a substantive dialogue between all interested parties, including governments, trade unions and other international organisations.