Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 116: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the prospect for the advancement of the development issues which were discussed at Doha in the present World Trade Organisation negotiations; the approach he will take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7159/10]

Peter Power (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The Government's policy approach toward international development issues is based on our strong commitment to the fight against global poverty and hunger. Our aid programme is focused on some of the least developed countries in Africa. However, we recognise that development assistance alone will not eradicate poverty. The development of global trade will play an essential role, and it is therefore important that the poorest and weakest countries are not marginalised from international trade. The Doha Development Agenda round of talks at the World Trade Organisation, launched in 2001, is seeking an agreement that would lower trade barriers around the world, and thereby allow developing countries to fully participate in the global market on an equal and fair basis.

Ireland has an important role to play in the WTO negotiations, at EU and global levels. We argue for a just and equitable outcome, not just in Ireland's interests, but also to provide the greatest opportunities for those countries most in need. We, and our partners in the EU, are seeking a balanced and ambitious outcome across all the core areas of the negotiations. This is essential for the delivery of economic growth and development gains for all participants, allowing real benefits for the world's poorest countries.

However, a number of high level efforts in 2009 to resolve the impasse in the talks failed to lead to the breakthrough we have long been working towards. At the Seventh WTO Ministerial meeting in Geneva in December last, Ministers reaffirmed the need to conclude the Doha Round in 2010 and called for a stock-taking exercise in the first quarter of this year to help set out a roadmap to make this happen. The G20 Summit in Pittsburgh last September agreed on a commitment to conclude the Doha trade round in 2010.

The urgency of completing the talks has been highlighted further by the confirmation of a massive decrease in global trade volumes in 2009, with serious implications for hunger and poverty in some of the poorest of the developing countries. It is clear that we need to intensify our efforts across the board if there is to be a realistic prospect of advancement in the trade talks. As my colleague, the Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mr. Billy Kelleher T.D, stated at that WTO Ministerial meeting in Geneva, we need a comprehensive, balanced agreement in the Doha Development Round now more than ever. Ireland will continue to play its part, and we will work to ensure that the needs of those most in need are protected, including through our continued support for the concept of special and differential treatment for the developing and least developed countries.