Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)

In 2000 the Millennium Declaration adopted by world leaders represented a declaration of solidarity with all those in the Third World. The overall goal was to lift 300 million people out of extreme poverty and to save 30 million children who would otherwise die before their fifth birthday. To achieve these goals, Ireland made a commitment of devoting 0.7% of GNP to overseas development aid by 2007.

In 2003, we reached 0.41% which put us ahead of Australia at 0.25%, Greece at 0.21%, Italy at 0.26% and the US at 0.14%. However, we were still behind other countries like Belgium at0.61%, Luxemburg at 0.8%, the Netherlands at 0.81% and Norway at 0.92%. These statistics disprove the Taoiseach's claim that Ireland is up there with the best in Europe. While we are not at the bottom, we are certainly not near the top. Our levels are less than half of the highest in Europe.

We need to live up to our commitments to those who depend on us for their very survival. We have reneged on our promises. As a nation we cannot hold our heads up and do this. As the second richest country in Europe, we should be leading the way along with Norway, Sweden and the Netherlands. Instead, we are defaulting on our commitments. For a nation that has a proud history of sending missionaries and aid workers to Third World countries, in poor and hard times, we now have a binding obligation to keep our promises in good times. The Minister of State at the Department of Taoiseach, Deputy Kitt, said there was an impression we are not doing anything. We are, but it is not enough. Just two years ago the Taoiseach told the World Bank that the need for increased overseas development aid was more evident than ever and that Ireland would reach out to those less fortunate than ourselves. That time has now come.

We need to revisit the proposals from the EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development on the new sugar regime. While we know the effects of these proposals on Ireland, they can be offset by compensation payments. However, for countries like Ghana these proposals are a disaster. It already has a preferential trade agreement on sugar with the EU. However, the new proposals will cut 60% in prices and devastate Ghana's sugar industry. Last week I listened to the President of Ghana say that while the recently announced debt relief was welcomed, the proposed sugar regime would instantly wipe out the benefit of the cancellation three times over.

I commend this motion to the House and I congratulate the Green Party on putting forward such a timely and comprehensive motion which reminds us of our solemn commitments to the poorest of the poor.

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