Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 17 Dec 2002

Vol. 559 No. 5

Written Answers. - Coffee Producers.

Joan Burton

Question:

72 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action the Government proposes taking or proposes to support internationally to address the crisis in coffee producers' incomes and the threats to lives and livelihoods in such areas as central Ethiopia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26518/02]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

I am concerned at the present crisis in the international trade in coffee and the consequent difficulties arising in the incomes of coffee producers and the problems being experienced in such areas as central Ethiopia.

At last month's General Affairs and External Relations Council on 18 and 19 November, Ministers had an exchange of views on the crisis in the international trade in coffee. The Council expressed concern about the current situation. While recognising that there are no quick, short-term solutions it was agreed that initiatives need to be taken and that the issue needs to be looked at in a broader context with a view to achieving sustainable development. The Commission intends to come forward with ideas to address the situation of commodities in general.

The Council working group on commodities in Brussels is considering the crisis in the international trade in coffee and is also maintaining contact with Oxfam International in this regard. Ireland has given positive endorsement to the quality improvement programme of the International Coffee Organisation, which commenced on 1 October 2002.

I will be monitoring developments closely in connection with the possible submission of projects by the Commission under the Cotonou Agreement's ninth European Development Fund regarding the alleviation of the consequences brought about by the current crisis in the international trade in coffee. The Minister of State, Deputy Kitt, will be visiting Ethiopia shortly where there will be an opportunity to see the extent of the crisis for coffee producers and to consider how best this crisis might be addressed.

Question No. 73 answered with Question No. 53.