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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 6 Feb 1996

Vol. 461 No. 1

Written Answers - Integrated Development Policy.

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

54 Kathleen Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the plans, if any, he has during the forthcoming Intergovernmental Conference, to press for an integrated development policy which would audit EU policies in order to ensure that they do not militate against the developing world. [2406/96]

An Intergovernmental Conference is convened specifically to consider possible Treaty changes. The precise agenda for the Intergovernmental Conference has not yet been established and Treaty amendments have not yet been put forward by any member states for consideration at the Intergovernmental Conference. One priority of the Intergovernmental Conference, however, will be to give the EU greater capacity for external action. Ireland will, of course, continue to support, in this regard the general principles of just and equitable relations between the EU and the developing world.

Title XVII of the Treaty on European Union outlines the broad objectives of Community development policy, including, inter alia, the promotion of sustainable development, the promotion of human rights and support for the UN system. Article 130v of the Treaty requires the Community to take account of these objectives in all policies likely to affect developing countries.

The "Horizon 2000" Declaration, agreed by the Council of Development Ministers in 1992, has led to the adoption of a range of programmes designed to ensure maximum co-ordination of all instruments of Community development policy. Ireland will continue to strongly support all efforts to achieve co-ordination and coherence in EU development policy with the objective of addressing in the most effective possible manner the needs and concerns of developing countries.
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