Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 November 2006
354 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the provisions in EPAs to deepen South-South trade links among developing countries; and if he will outline the way in which these provisions are to be balanced with the negative revenue and de-industrialisation effects of EPAs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37714/06]
View answerThe Cotonou Agreement between the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) States and the European Union (EU) provides for the negotiation of Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) between the Parties. The EPAs are first and foremost instruments for development that are intended to foster the smooth and gradual integration of the ACP States into the world economy, thereby promoting sustainable development and contributing to poverty eradication.
I am aware of the questions raised about the possible impact of EPAs on developing countries. Ireland's position, as repeated at the recent General Affairs and External Relations Council of 16 and 17 October last, is that development concerns must be to the fore in these Agreements. And, of course, regional integration and the promotion of South-South trade are cornerstones of the Cotonou Agreement.
For the purposes of EPA negotiations, the ACP states are organised into six regional groupings and the EPAs are intended primarily to foster trade between, as well as within, these regional groupings. As such, the EPAs have the potential to develop the conditions for South-South trade, with all the benefits of new markets which this promises for the countries concerned. However, if the ACP States are to take full advantage of the trading opportunities afforded by EPAs, greater and more effective trade-related assistance will be required to be made available to them. In this regard, EU Ministers for Development have already pledged to ensure that a substantial share of EU and national trade-related assistance will be devoted to them, with the total allocation rising to some €2 billion per annum by 2010. In Ireland's case and in line with the priorities outlined in the recent White paper on Iris h Aid, we have committed to increase substantially our funding for Aid for Trade initiatives in the coming years.
355 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the funding available to an Irish citizen residing in the US who adhered to the regulations in the Hague Convention and due to the fact the other party involved was in breach of the regulation, they cannot leave the jurisdiction and find themselves in financial difficulties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37810/06]
View answerThe case in question is before a US Court at present and relates to the custody of the children of a marriage where the parents are divorced. As such, it would not be appropriate for the Department of Foreign Affairs to become involved, nor are funds available to the Department to fund the legal costs in question.
However, the Department has been in contact with the family of one of the parties to the case, who is an Irish citizen, and the Consulate in New York will also make contact at an early date to see if there is any appropriate consular assistance available that can be provided.
