Vol. 571 No. 1
261 Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on the collapse of the WTO talks in Cancún and the implications for developing countries for which the current policies are failing. [20534/03]
Ireland shares the generally felt disappointment at the outcome of the Cancún ministerial conference. The meeting failed to reach agreement on a framework for the continuation of negotiations under the Doha development agenda. As such, this is a serious setback for the DDA. The major losers from the failure to agree at Cancún are developing and least developed countries as the DDA is designed to effectively address their needs and to assist them integrate into the world economy. The Cancún conference did not fail for lack of effort on the part of the European Community. The EU for its part was among the most persistent advocates for a successful conference and negotiated in good faith. The EU also, among WTO partners, provided significant inputs to the WTO in the lead-in to Cancún. During this period EU member states agreed the substantial reforms in agriculture under the medium term review proposals in June.
Ireland continues to believe that a rules-based multilateral system of trade and a strong World Trade Organisation represents the best prospect for further progressive trade liberalisation while protecting the trade interests of the least developed economies. The EU Commission is undertaking a detailed assessment of the outcome of the Cancún ministerial conference for discussion with member states. It is too early to assess the medium term implications of Cancún conference and the setback for the DDA, or to reach any firm conclusions about the position of the European Community regarding the round or the next steps to be taken. A process of internal reflection and consultation among member states and within and between the EU Commission and Council is now beginning. The Cancún conference concluded with a ministerial declaration that instructed officials to continue work on the outstanding issues and to convene a meeting in Geneva on 15 December to take the action necessary to enable us to move towards a successful and timely conclusion to the negotiations.
Notwithstanding the setback at Cancún, Ireland is fully committed to the full implementation of the mandates of the Doha development agenda.
Question No. 262 answered with Question No. 229.
