Seán Ryan (Dublin North, Labour)
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Question 32: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the recent appointment of a person (details supplied) as president of the World Bank; if he or his officials have made contact with the new president; the international foreign policy implications of this appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13592/05]

Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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I welcome the statement by the new president of the World Bank, Paul Wolfowitz, that he will build on his predecessor's legacy in promoting economic growth and social development. Prior to his election, Mr. Wolfowitz travelled to Brussels to meet the European Union Finance Ministers and made clear to them his unreserved commitment to the World Bank's mission of poverty reduction. Following this discussion, the EU expressed support for him and looked forward to a close and constructive working relationship with him. Mr. Wolfowitz was elected unanimously by the World Bank board on 31 March. He will take office in June.

The office of president of the World Bank is one of great importance for social and economic development throughout the world and particularly for the developing countries which look to the bank as the leading global institution for poverty eradication. Mr. Wolfowitz will begin his term of office at a time when the international community is preparing for the first major review of progress on the millennium declaration which was adopted in 2000. Important decisions have to be made on financing and development, in which the World Bank will be central. We all look forward to decisive leadership from Mr. Wolfowitz on these critical issues.