International Bodies Membership

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 July 2013

Tuesday, 16 July 2013

Questions (992)

Andrew Doyle

Question:

992. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will outline Ireland's contributions to the biennial 38th meeting of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations in Rome, Italy that took place from 15 to 22 June 2013 and was attended by the Minister of State at his Department; the outcome of the conference, in view of the importance of the event as Ireland held the Presidency of the Council of EU member states and responsibility for the co-ordination of EU positions and consensus seeking at the conference; the agreements he sought on the theme of the conference, sustainable food systems for food security and nutrition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35086/13]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The FAO Conference is a bi-annual event that brings together representatives from virtually every country in the world. In addition to the formal agenda there are also a number of ‘side events; organised by various groups and Member Countries covering various themes related to Food and Agriculture.

As President of the EU, Ireland had the task of coordinating the views of all EU Member States. The EU position was negotiated over several months prior to the conference and my officials prepared statements outlining our policies and our suggestions for improvements in the FAO’s work. These were read at the conference and incorporated into the report of the Conference. All of the documents being debated at the conference are available on the FAO website at http://www.fao.org/bodies/en/.

Minister of State Tom Hayes, TD, attended the opening phase of the conference, where he met with officials and delivered an address outlining Ireland’s commitment to smallholders and improved nutrition in developing countries. His address, together with those of other lead contributors, is available at http://www.fao.org/bodies/conf/c2013/addresses-and-statements/en/.

The Irish Ambassador to the FAO also attended and played a very active role in leading the EU’s response to various issues, in particular in relation to the budget and the need for reorganisation of the FAO’s work.

A report outlining the key agreements at the conference has been prepared by the FAO and will be available on the FAO website over the coming weeks.