John Perry
Ceist:72 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on a submission regarding the debt crisis in Zambia (details supplied); and the steps, if any, he has taken to deal with the problem. [24980/98]
Written Answers - Zambian Debt Crisis.
I am aware of the difficult debt situation faced by Zambia and a number of other countries. The consequences of this situation are a matter of great concern, not least because the need to service international debts constrains the ability of the countries concerned to allocate sufficient resources to health, education and other services of importance to poor people.
At the international level, Ireland has played an active part in efforts to find solutions to the problems caused by the high levels of indebtedness of some poor countries. In this connection, the House will be aware of the £31.5 million debt relief package announced by the Government two months ago. In relation to bilateral development co-operation between Ireland and Zambia, I believe that Ireland is making an appropriate and significant contribution to economic and social development in Zambia through funding of programmes of direct benefit to poor people. Irish Aid expenditure in Zambia is expected to amount to about £5.8 million in 1998.