Ms Karol Balfe:

These crucial negotiations probably have not received a significant amount of attention or discussion in Ireland to date but they are very important. The proposals for a UN debt framework are very much being put forward by the small island nations and a group of African countries. Countries like Kenya, Pakistan and Brazil are strongly advocating for this. This is one of the areas where Ireland has an excellent track record in solidarity with the global south. This is a way we should demonstrate that solidarity. There is momentum among the global south consistently calling for this, particularly the G77 group. Unfortunately, over the past week, we have seen the EU, the UK and the US pushing back against the idea of a global UN debt framework. They have watered down the wording in the draft outcome that is being discussed and that will be, we hope, agreed in Seville. We are not seeing enough momentum from the richer countries. It is very similar to the OECD base erosion and profit shifting. It is a mechanism for the rich countries but it is not global and democratic, it is not clear how decisions are made and it is not factoring in the interests of global south countries. When we see these cuts, and Mr. Clarken has highlighted very well the very human and real impact of these cuts, debt relief matters now more than ever. The last time we had this significant focus on debt was in 2000 for the Jubilee campaign. A total of $130 billion was given in debt relief. It was significant. It was not enough but it had a real impact. They were able to track more school enrolments in particular countries. Countries were able to put that money back into public services so it is something in respect of which this committee could play a strong role. It could ask the questions about why we are not fully supporting a global UN mechanism on debt.