Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 117: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to ensure that the sourcing of fair trade goods where possible is part of all Government Departments purchasing policy. [20309/08]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The commitment in the Programme for Government 2007-2012 to which the Deputy refers has been brought to the attention of purchasers in all Government Departments and public bodies via the e-procurement network maintained by the Department of Finance, and information on the initiative is available on the Government's procurement portal website at www.etenders.gov.ie. The response to this and other initiatives to promote the purchase of Fair Trade products has been encouraging, and I understand that sales in Ireland continue to grow. The Deputy will be pleased to note that my own Department provides, where practicable, Fair Trade products to service meetings and receptions in Iveagh House. Specific guidance on sourcing of Fair Trade products has been issued to the Department's Business Units at headquarters and to Missions abroad.

I should mention also that the Government's programme of assistance to developing countries, Irish Aid, continues to support the Fair Trade movement internationally and in Ireland. This support includes funding from the Development Education Funding Scheme which goes to increase public awareness through educational materials and events including Fairtrade Fortnight and Fairtrade Towns. Several local authorities and public bodies have participated in these initiatives, including Dublin City Council which received the award of "Fairtrade Capital City" status from Fairtrade Ireland in February of this year. My Department will continue its efforts to encourage Government Departments and public sector bodies generally to source fair trade products where it is practicable to do so and where it is consistent with their obligations under EU and national public procurement rules.