Vol. 529 No. 1
137 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the economic and political situation in Ecuador; the trade links between Ireland and Ecuador; the aid given to Ecuador annually; the plans he has to provide assistance towards the pollution threat to the Galapagos Islands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2201/01]
I was concerned to learn of the oil tanker accident which took place off the Galapagos Islands some two weeks ago. The accident had potentially grave consequences for the fragile ecosystem of the islands which form an internationally renowned nature preserve and sustain unique species of marine, animal and plant life.
The intensive clean-up operation mounted by the Ecuadorian authorities with international support has made substantial progress and the risk of a major environmental disaster has reportedly been averted. It is, however, too early to say what the long-term impact of this regrettable accident will be.
Experts from the European Union who are specialists in the field of marine pollution are contributing to the clean-up effort. Their task is to help minimise the impact of the pollution and ensure the recovery of affected areas of the islands. The Commission's decision to despatch experts to the scene is to be welcomed.
There has been no request for assistance from Ireland arising from the accident. In the past two years we have provided development assistance funding for projects in Ecuador to the amount of £85,000. Some £50,000 was allocated towards the building of a small hospital facility and £35,000 for the provision of skills-training in a disadvantaged region of the country.
In recent years Ecuador has struggled to consolidate its political stability in the face of its considerable economic vulnerability, particularly its exposure to sharp swings in commodity prices. There is considerable political and public opposition to the government's economic reform programme. In recent weeks this has resulted in mass marches by students, teachers, trade unions and indigenous groups to protest against steep increases in fuel prices and transport charges. Some of the recent marches have culminated in violent clashes with police and military resulting in a number of serious injuries. It is to be hoped that the Government of President Noboa will be able to stabilise the political situation and to proceed with its political and economic programme with full respect for the human rights of those who oppose it.
The volume of trade between Ireland and Ecuador is modest. The most recent full year figures are for 1999 and value Irish exports at £2.1 million. Imports from Ecuador amounted to £441,000. The main commodities exported were oils, perfumes, chemicals, dairy products and industrial machinery. Imports included oils, perfumes, fish and crude animal and vegetable materials. Full year statistics for last year will, when available, show an increase in trade. By October last our exports had reached £4.3 million while imports stood at £486,000.
