asked the Minister for External Affairs whether the Government accept Resolution No. 451 in reply to the memorandum from the Secretary General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) which was adopted by the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe on 18th September, 1970, relating to laying down social priorities as part of the framework within which economic policy should be determined; and whether they are prepared to instruct their representative to OECD to comply with the proposals set out in paragraph 10 of this resolution.
Written Answers. - Council of Europe Resolutions.
52.
The Government recognises and explicitly stated in the Third Programme that economic growth is not an end in itself, its ultimate objective being an increase in individual and national well-being. It follows from this that social aims must provide the ultimate framework for economic policies and Resolution No. 451 is acceptable to the Government as far as this is concerned. As regards laying down social priorities, the Government will welcome any help that the OECD may be able to provide in this connection, and will be glad to participate in any discussions with this in mind. It must be clear, however, that social needs here must be the main determinant of our social priorities and our approach to any initiative by the OECD in this area must be governed accordingly.
The Government is already represented on the Economic Policy Committee of OECD which has been considering the problem of inflation and the possible measures—including incomes policy—to combat it.
53.
asked the Minister for External Affairs whether the Government accept Resolution No. 459 in reply to the 17th report on the activities of the Office of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees which was adopted by the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe on 22nd September, 1970; and whether they are prepared to maintain and, possibly, increase their financial contribution to the work of the High Commissioner.
Recommendation 564 of the General Assembly of the Council of Europe on the acquisition by refugees of the nationality of their country of residence has been supported by the Irish representative in the Committee of Ministers. Resolution (70) 2 on the subject is now being studied in the appropriate Government Department.
With regard to the activities of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees the Government are contemplating an increase in Ireland's contribution to the programme of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in 1971-72.
54.
asked the Minister for External Affairs whether the Government accept Resolution No. 460 on the position of the Czechoslovak refugees which was adopted by the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe on 22nd September, 1970; and what action they contemplate to take on the proposals in paragraph 9 of the Resolution.
Resolution 460 adopted by the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe last September calls on Governments of the Council of Europe member States to facilitate refugees from Czechoslovakia in several ways. This Resolution was noted by the Committee of Ministers meeting at Deputy level in October last.
The Resolution is being brought to the attention of the various Government Departments here that may be concerned with the implementation of the terms of the Resolution. Consideration of the Assembly's proposals will, of course, take considerable time.