Seanad debates

Wednesday, 26 November 2003

Overseas Development Aid: Motion.

 

I am glad there is recognition of countries other than the seven priority countries in Africa and that the Minister is considering an initiative in the Balkans, particularly in respect of AIDS. I hope he will also consider the wider economic difficulties particularly in Kosovo, Albania and many of the countries along the Black Sea. These difficulties could have a direct impact on us, particularly in the context of enlargement. Does the Minister of State know if there will be any widening of the priority country programme or will he concentrate exclusively on those countries that have been named? I accept that the development com mittee said the Government should focus on those countries and not take on more than it can cope with, but I raise the issue in the context of enlargement. If we continue to allow a deepening economic deprivation in certain Balkan countries, it will have a most serious impact on us in terms of illegal immigrants coming across our borders and of economic migrants. Is it not better to do in that region of Europe on our doorstep what we are attempting to do, and doing successfully, in the African countries?

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