Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I commend the Green Party for tabling this motion on aid to the Third World. I support it as it is important that this small, independent country plays its part on the international stage in assisting countries that urgently need our assistance. I urge the Government and our country to be a voice for the voiceless and poor. Sitting on the fence is not an option. The Government must immediately meet its commitment to reach 0.7% of GNP devoted to overseas development aid by 2007.

It is also important to face up to the reality of poverty in our country, despite the economic growth and development in the past ten years. It is not acceptable that 80,000 children still live in poverty. It is not acceptable there are homeless people in our cities or that young couples are priced out of the housing market. It is a disgrace that over 50,000 families are on local authority housing waiting lists. We, a society steeped in wealth, are not delivering to our people. It is not right and there is no excuse that 25% of our citizens are always left behind. It is up to all politicians to ensure all people are treated with respect and equally. The debate is not about resources and wealth but how these are distributed. It is about how we treat our sick, elderly and disabled. I do not want to live in a country where greed and selfishness are rampant.

I support the international campaign of Make Poverty History. We know from our history about famine, poverty and exploitation. Now it is our turn to lead the charge against injustice and stand by the poorer countries. Let us ensure their children live and get back their dignity. Let us reaffirm Ireland's policy of supporting 100% debt cancellation for heavily indebted poor countries, going beyond the inadequate but welcome proposal of the G8 to introduce cancellations to 18 countries. Such debt cancellation must not be accompanied by damaging conditions which erode its benefits. Such cancellation must be funded out of additional moneys and, as argued by non-governmental organisations, the International Monetary Fund gold reserves must be sold to finance debt cancellation.

Developed nations must move away from operating as judge and plaintiff towards heavily indebted poor countries. Debt cancellation is only part of what is needed to assist heavily indebted poor countries. Targeted and united aid must continue to be given and significantly increased. I urge the Government to agree new target dates in view of its acknowledgement that it will not meet its commitment to reach the 0.7% of GNP devoted to overseas development aid by 2007. I call on the Taoiseach to reaffirm Ireland's commitment to this target at the forthcoming UN millennium summit.

Fair trade is important in bringing about international social justice. I demand the re-examination of subsidies given to producers in the developed world and their effect on those producers in less developed nations. I call on the Government to support the reappraisal of the EU's economic partnership agreements with African, Caribbean and Pacific countries, in light of serious concerns that these will inhibit rather than promote their economic development.

We need to restrict the international trade in arms to assist conflict resolution, to prevent the terrible costs in human life and the attendant economic costs. The Government must support the initiative taken by the Government of Finland to bring about an arms trade treaty through the framework of the UN. Why do governments around the world always have money for arms, yet there is always a problem when finance is required for food, health care and education? I challenge international leaders on this major political and moral issue. It is simply not good enough.

The Independent Members will always challenge, fight and stand up for working people and the poor in society. That is our agenda and we have no notion of going off course. This motion is about standing with the peoples of other countries in a spirt of co-operation, generosity and equality. I urge all Members to stand with these peoples and support this excellent motion.

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