andMr. Donegan asked the Minister for External Affairs what is the attitude of the Government with regard to Recommendation No. 361 on action by the Council of Europe in the matter of world food problems, which was adopted by the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe on 10th May, 1963; and what action the Government have taken or contemplate taking on it.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Council of Europe Recommendation.
8.
Recommendation 361 was discussed at a meeting of the Committee of Ministers at deputy level and a report on the decision taken will in due course be made to the Consultative Assembly.
The attitude of the Government to the Recommendation may be summed up as follows:
As the Deputies may perhaps be aware, the Government concur in the view of the Committee of Ministers that it is not appropriate that one international organisation should contribute to another.
The Government have, however, given full support to measures for the relief of world food problems and have taken the following steps in the matter:—
When the FAO Freedom from Hunger Campaign was launched, a voluntary contribution of $10,000 was made towards the central campaign costs. In addition the Government have given full support to the promotion of the campaign in Ireland.
The national collection for the Freedom from Hunger Campaign, undertaken by the Irish Red Cross Society at the request of the Government, has realised a total of over £90,000 to date. The Society deserves great praise for its devoted efforts in this matter.
Ireland participated also in the World Stamp Plan. A special Irish stamp was issued in March, 1963, and a donation of 100,000 copies of each issue with a face value of £7,900 was made to FAO in support of the Freedom from Hunger Campaign.
In September, 1962, the Government pledged a contribution of $840,000 to the World Food Programme, of which amount $600,000 will be in the form of foodstuffs and $240,000 in cash.
Could the Minister indicate what is the nature of the foodstuff which is being supplied to the World Food Campaign?
That has not yet been finally decided.