Seanad debates
Wednesday, 26 November 2003
Overseas Development Aid: Motion.
We have carried out some work in this area, such as the CAP reform. We have also had the TRIPS agreement, an important trade issue regarding access to affordable medicines. Since taking up this position we have put much of our resources into capacity building for these countries. Agencies like the IDA and Enterprise Ireland help our companies to trade. We want to give similar supports to these countries to help them to trade. Senator Norris referred to the private sector forum I am establishing. I believe this to be an exciting opportunity to give Irish companies the chance to trade and share their skills and management know-how with similar companies in the developing world. The idea is to establish partnerships with similar companies, mentoring and exchanging personnel, expertise and technical assistance. There is much we can do. I assure the House this will not be part of the ODA budget; it is a separate initiative from which we can derive many benefits.
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