Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

There is a danger that economic growth is being seen to equate with poverty reduction and a reduction in inequality. There are some interesting statistics from Africa. For example, in Nigeria, economic growth in the past ten years has increased by 6% per year. Yet on the human development index the country is placed 152nd out of 176. Equally, Botswana has considerable economic growth but minimal poverty reduction, whereas Ghana has modest growth but significant poverty reduction levels. We cannot simply speak of economic growth without looking at how exactly it impacts on poverty reduction and inequality.

I wish to draw the Minister's attention to the G8 New Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition. This is a rather concerning development, because there is the potential to do the opposite to what is intended in terms of food exports, biofuels and land grabs on a vast corporate scale. Given Ireland's reputation, we need to stand up, and the Minister and the Government must be a strong voice in this regard. I hope that in the context of the three conferences coming up, Ireland and the Minister take the opportunity to be heard.

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