Written Answers. - Communicable Diseases.
Pat Rabbitte
Question:
13
Mr. Rabbitte
asked the
Minister for Foreign Affairs
the decisions that were taken by the European Commission in relation to HIV-AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis; the outcome of the high level round table conference on major communicable diseases which took place on 28 September 2000; the practical decisions taken; the moneys voted but not disbursed to the major recipient countries involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[22356/00]
Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen): Ireland has been very active in pressing for an intensification of the EU's efforts to address the crisis in developing countries caused by the HIV-AIDS pandemic. The Taoiseach wrote to Commission President Prodi in January 2000 urging a revitalisation of EU efforts in the fight against HIV-AIDS. Minister of State, Deputy O'Donnell, raised the matter at the Development Council in May and sought the mainstreaming of HIV-AIDS into all the EU's development activities.
The Council conclusions requested the Commission to prepare a framework for an urgent EU response to the health emergency caused, particularly in Africa, by major communicable diseases. The Commission Communication on Accelerated Action was presented in September. The communication sets out the policy framework for urgent EU action focused on three key areas for action: enhancing the impact of existing intervention, increasing the affordability of key pharmaceuticals and increasing investment in research and development. The communication was formally launched at a high level round table, co-sponsored by the commission, WHO and UNAIDS and under the aegis of the French Presidency of the EU, which was held in Brussels on September 28. In welcoming the communication, Ireland also drew attention to the importance of maintaining the EU's long-term commitment to building up the capacity of the health sector in developing countries as a key to the fight against HIV-AIDS.
Following on from the discussions at the round table, the Commission will prepare a plan of action, which will outline a series of concrete and practical steps to be taken by the European Union to intensify its efforts to combat major communicable diseases. Ireland has asked that this plan should be prepared in consultation with the member states.
Since 1990 EU investment in health, AIDS and population assistance, HAP, has reached more than 100 developing countries for a total amount of 3.4 billion euros. This year, the European Union has allocated 20 million euros under the budget line for action against HIV-AIDS. While the Commission has had management problems in disbursing EU assistance, I understand that they expect to be able to fully allocate this funding and that monies allocated under this budget line are on target to be used this year. In addition funds are provided for health sector support programmes in the African, Caribbean and Pacific, ACP, Asia and Latin America and Mediterranean regions.
Ireland welcomes the new communication and EU plan of action for enhanced action against HIV-AIDS and other communicable diseases. We believe, however, that it is essential that this new initiative is followed by a commitment of the necessary resources from the EU aid budget to ensure that the proposals for accelerated action to tackle HIV-AIDS and communicable diseases can be successfully implemented.
