Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 18 Jun 1991

Vol. 409 No. 9

Written Answers. - Council of Europe Social Development Fund.

Liam Aylward

Ceist:

48 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason Ireland, as one of the original signatories to the formation of the Council of Europe, is one of only five countries, namely: Ireland, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Hungary and the United Kingdom, from a total of 23 countries which has refused to contribute to the social development fund of the Council of Europe despite several requests to do so; if he will now reconsider the position with a view to having a contribution made to this fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Collins)

The question of Irish participation in the social development fund of the Council of Europe has been reviewed from time to time. It is considered that the purposes which the fund could serve in respect of Ireland are adequately catered for by other bodies of which Ireland is already a member. The financial commitment which accession to the fund would entail would not be opportune in current budgetary circumstances.