Peter Power (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Deputy for his supplementary question. I share his deep concern on this issue, not least because the problem of rising food prices has the capacity to undermine the whole international aid effort. In the first instance, we must examine the causes of the current situation, some of which are man-made and others natural. The man-made aspects of this situation are interesting. They include the increased consumption of higher value foods in places such China and India, which is beginning to take from traditional markets and production areas. In itself, that is a man-made aspect. In addition there are natural disasters and climate change. Sometimes, those who are least to blame for climate change are regrettably the first to suffer from its effects.

As regards the strategies to be adopted, our policy programme recognises the importance of agriculture which is enshrined in a White Paper on aid. I referred to the FAO conference in Rome and I understand the incoming French EU Presidency intends to hold a conference of this nature at its earliest convenience, although I do not have the full details to hand. Because this is essentially a global issue, it requires a global response. We must work together and the fora through which we can progress this matter include the EU Development and Foreign Ministers' Councils and the United Nations.

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