Vol. 510 No. 2
38 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position the Government will adopt at the World Trade Organisation ministerial meeting in Seattle; if her attention has been drawn in particular to the concerns expressed by Irish development organisations and NGOs regarding the potential impact of the proposed millennium round on developing countries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21983/99]
It is expected that the third ministerial meeting of the World Trade Organisation, scheduled to be held in Seattle from 30 November to 3 December 1999, will take the necessary decisions to launch a millennium round of trade negotiations in the WTO in 2000.
The Government, along with our European Union partners, are firmly convinced that a comprehensive trade round, involving a broad range of issues is the best way to address the challenges resulting from rapid and far-reaching economic changes; to manage properly and effectively the globalisation process; to promote equitable growth and development; and to respond in a balanced manner to the interests of all WTO members, in particular the developing countries.
The WTO, since the conclusion of the Uruguay Round, has brought about major improvements in market access and more predictable rules that have benefited the membership as a whole, in particular smaller countries. The multilateral system has helped a large number of developing countries to integrate successfully into the international economy and developing countries' share of world export trade has increased by nearly 50% over the past three years.
The Government is aware of the varied concerns of non-governmental organisations with regard to the projected new round and have sought to engage in dialogue with interested parties. On 29 October I met representatives of 19 NGOs specifically to discuss Ireland's position on the new round. Accompanying me were officials from five Departments to ensure that all aspects of our trade, development and environmental approach could be discussed. The principal concerns expressed related to the impact of trade liberalisation on developing countries, the environment and on animal welfare.
I noted that in the event of a new round being launched, an ongoing dialogue with civil society would be necessary. I also offered to meet any Irish NGOs present in Seattle to discuss developments there.
