asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government has prepared a draft position in relation to Ireland's attitude to the negotiation of the Fifth European Development Fund (Lomé 11); and, if so, if it is intended to publish a Government policy statement on the specific question of Ireland's attitude to the renegotiation of this fund, prior to any final decision being reached by members of the Community.
Written Answers. - Fifth European Development Fund.
90.
The question of the fifth European Development Fund arises in the context of the Community's negotiations with the ACP countries toward a successor agreement to the Lomé Convention. However, as the financial aspects of the negotiations have been left to a later stage, the Community has yet to formally consider this matter. When consideration of the question takes place, Ireland will contribute actively to determining the appropriate volume of funds which the Community could contribute to co-operation with the ACP states under the new convention.