Vol. 563 No. 1
242 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Finance the steps he has taken to ensure that the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank are aware of Ireland's debt policy; and the steps Ireland's representatives at the IMF and World Bank have taken to promote the Irish policy vigorously. [6961/03]
The Deputy may be aware that the debt strategy document, which was launched last July, was forwarded to Ireland's representatives at the IMF and the World Bank in advance of the 2002 annual meetings of the institutions.
In October and November last year officials from the World Bank visited Dublin and the debt issues were raised with them. Furthermore, when the president of the bank, Mr. James Wolfensohn, came here in January the debt strategy was also discussed with him.
My Department, in close co-ordination with Ireland Aid, will continue to promote Ireland's policy on developing country debt in all relevant international fora. We will also continue to monitor closely developments in the HIPC initiative process and to participate actively in all relevant international meetings.
