Vol. 495 No. 4
198 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Finance if Ireland has contributed to the IMF's enhanced structural adjustment facility; and if he has satisfied himself that this programme has not contributed to an increase in poverty and inequality in low income countries. [20673/98]
199 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Finance the contribution his Department has made or plans to make to the IMF's enhanced structural adjustment facility; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some missionaries believe that these programmes have increased poverty and inequality in low income countries; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that the Government in 1996 made a decision not to contribute; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19924/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 198 and 199 together.
I consider that, in the context of the major debt relief package announced by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and I on 16 September, it is now appropriate for Ireland to honour its proposed contribution to ESAF. Subscription to ESAF would be consistent with and should enhance the attainment of Ireland's wider overseas development co-operation objectives. I accept the need for reform of certain aspects of ESAF programmes and note the positive response of the IMF to the external evaluation of the facility. I will continue to seek to ensure that the lessons learnt from the external review will be brought to bear as regards the planning, design and implementation of ESAF programmes.
