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 fair trade products widely available and used. The objectives of the campaign are recognized as positive, as trade is increasingly recognized 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 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 developing countries will be deeper and fairer if anchored in the WTO multilateral trading system. I am aware that the Department of Foreign Affairs, through Irish Aid, supports Fairtrade Mark Ireland's public awareness and development education programme and also supports access to Fairtrade certified markets for small farmers through Irish Fairtrade Networks in Central America. The decision to use any fair trade product by my Department would of course 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.