Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 February 2013
14. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the outcome of the recent EU Development Ministers' meeting in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8930/13]
View answer32. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide a detailed report of the recent informal meeting of EU Development Ministers in Dublin; and if a unified EU approach to the development of a new set of international targets for human development post-2015 was reached. [8848/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 32 together.
I chaired the informal Meeting of EU Development Ministers in Dublin Castle on 11 and 12 February. The meeting provided the first opportunity for a substantive discussion by Ministers on the shape of the framework for international development after 2015, the target date for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Significantly, three European Commissioners participated - Development Commissioner Andris Piebalgs, Humanitarian Aid Commissioner Kristalina Georgieva and Environment Commissioner Janez Potonik - as well as representatives from the European Parliament.
There was unanimity among the Member States on the need for a unified approach by the EU to the forthcoming international negotiations on a new framework for international development. It was agreed that this must encompass the experience of delivering on the MDGs in the fight against global poverty and hunger since 2000 and the decision of last year’s Rio Summit on Sustainable Development to begin a process to agree a set of Sustainable Development Goals. There was broad agreement on the need to continue to focus on the challenge of eliminating extreme poverty.
Ministers also discussed the promotion of a comprehensive approach to complex environments such as the Horn of Africa. They discussed ideas for a more joined-up approach to building the resilience of communities in the face of natural and man-made disasters, and linking EU policies and actions on the provision of emergency humanitarian relief and long term development.
We discussed options for future development cooperation in Mali and the possibility of resuming long-term development funding, which was suspended in the wake of last year’s coup. Commissioner Piebalgs emphasised the importance of beginning a phased reinstatement of development aid in order to respond to the urgent needs of the Malian people.
Finally, we reviewed Official Development Assistance targets and the political agreement reached at the European Council on the EU’s new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). The outcome of the MFF negotiations, which includes an increase in funding for international development, ensures that the EU, collectively, will remain the largest provider of overseas assistance globally. As EU Council Presidency, Ireland will now take forward negotiations with the European Parliament on the finalisation of the MFF.
I have received very positive feedback from Ministers and Commissioners on the outcome and organisation of the informal meeting. I am satisfied in particular that it has begun a process which enable the EU to demonstrate a strong unified position at the Special Event on the MDGs, to be held at the United Nations in New York this September, and in the subsequent international negotiations on the new global development framework.
