Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 445: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact EPAs are being put in place to bring clear benefits to ACP countries; the measures in place to ensure that there is a system for monitoring real developmental progress in these countries, that is, rises in basic health, education and infrastructure levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35426/06]

Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Cotonou Agreement between the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) States and the European Union (EU) provides for the negotiation of Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) between the Parties. The EPAs are first and foremost instruments for development that are intended to foster the smooth and gradual integration of the ACP States into the world economy, thereby promoting sustainable development and contributing to poverty eradication.

The establishment of a monitoring mechanism to track key development benchmarks of the EPA process was first announced by Commissioner Mandelson in January 2005. At the General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) in Brussels in November 2005, which I attended, Member States further pledged to "establish and implement an improved monitoring mechanism against development objectives within the EPA process".

This commitment was reinforced by Ministers for Foreign Affairs at the GAERC of December 2005, in the document 'The EU and Africa: towards a strategic partnership', in which Member States undertook to "closely monitor EPAs so that they help achieve development objectives".

The review of the EPA negotiations, mandated by article 37.4 of the Cotonou Agreement, is now underway. I welcome the valuable opportunity this review will provide for reflection on both the process and substance of the EPA negotiations, including the question of a monitoring mechanism.

I urge all stakeholders in the EPA process to take full advantage of this review. A thorough and comprehensive evaluation is in the interests of all of us committed to a truly pro-development outcome to this process. I look forward to the results of the review, which are expected at the end of the year.