In her speech this morning the Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise and Employment, Deputy O'Rourke, specified a number of countries, including China and Egypt. She also mentioned some of the poorest countries in Eastern Europe, for example, Albania. In view of developments in that part of Europe, will Russia and other countries of the former Soviet Union be included? If we are amending this legislation so that we can include other countries, this is the section to do so. I am not making a contentious point. There is some wealth in countries like China, but Russia is experiencing difficulties and it faces a winter with a shortage of food which could result in loss of life. The climate in the African countries mentioned is milder than that in Russia.
International Development Association (Amendment) Bill, 1993 [Certified Money Bill]: Committee and Final Stages.
The list of countries does not include Russia. Albania, Armenia, Georgia, Kirghizstan and Tadjikistan are on the list. China is on the list because its per capita income is small. I accept the point that assistance is essential and should be provided quickly to Russia. However, there are other means of providing that through EC and US agreements with Russia.
Given the climate and the political turmoil in Russia despite efforts to introduce democracy, it merits support. According to newspaper and television reports and one or two people I know who visited Russia in recent years, ordinary people are suffering from hunger. In some areas, people face famine. Given the climate during winter, assistance is of importance.
The Minister is not responsible for the IDA, but he may be able to enlighten me as to whether, as a donor country, we have any representation on the board of governors. Given the fact that we contribute, we are entitled to representation.
We do not have direct representation. This morning I met the executive director of the World Bank who represents Canada and Ireland. Regarding Senator Enright's question, the Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise and Employment, Deputy O'Rourke, pointed out that countries which have a per capita income of $765 or less are eligible for IDA loans. There must be a cut off point. I accept the point about Russia, but the EC is the substantial donor and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development provides loans, although not as cheaply as IDA. IDA provides loans to the poorest of the poor. Such countries are established on the criterion of per capita income.