Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 495: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the campaign to have Fairtrade products widely available and used; his views on the objectives of this campaign; and if he will endeavour to have such fair trade approved products used in his Department. [10561/05]

Michael Ahern (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware of the formal trade campaign with a very specific focus on raising consumer awareness which operates under the certification of the Fairtrade mark and to have Fairtrade products widely available and used.

The objectives of the campaign are recognised as positive, as trade is increasingly recognised as an important and effective lever for development and hence the alleviation of poverty. Ireland, in common with other EU member states has placed a very clear emphasis on the need to assist developing countries, LDCs, in their integration into the world economy as a necessary condition for their future development. Such integration, which is one element in the process of poverty reduction in the LDCs will be deeper and fairer if anchored in the WTO multilateral trading system.

The decision to use any Fairtrade product by my Department would be subject to compliance with public procurement rules and it is a matter for the enterprises supplying services such as cafeteria services in the Department to make their own commercial decisions in sourcing their supplies.