Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 8 Apr 2003

Vol. 564 No. 5

Written Answers - Official Engagements.

Eamon Ryan

Question:

134 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider representing the Government at the upcoming IMF World Bank spring meetings or the AGM of the World Bank in Dubai in 2003; if he will consider availing of such an opportunity to present the Government's international debt policy to these institutions; and his views on whether it is only interventions such as these by Government that can provide the necessary support to debt relief and development aid agencies and change international policies. [6295/03]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy)

As Ireland is not a member of either the development committee or the international monetary and financial committee of the Bretton Woods institutions, it is not possible for me to represent the Government at the upcoming spring meetings. As usual, Ireland will be represented at these meetings by Canada.

As the governor for Ireland of both institutions, I have regularly represented Ireland at the annual meetings of the IMF and World Bank in recent years. In that capacity, I expect to attend the autumn 2003 meetings in Dubai.

I am satisfied that these institutions are fully cognisant of the Government's policy in relation to developing country debt. My officials and I make every effort, in close co-ordination with Ireland Aid, to promote Ireland's policy on developing country debt in all relevant international fora.