Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 346: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views that Ireland and the EU's development aid programme to Africa which is linked to better governance and democratic accountability of the recipient nation is being undermined by the very significant increased investment in the African economy by China where no such condition attaches and if this matter has been taken up with the Chinese authorities either at a national or EU level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39785/10]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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In recent years China has become a major economic global player and has focused very significant trade, economic investment and development aid on African countries. I am aware of the contrast often made between what has been perceived as the commercial focus of China's policy in Africa and the primary focus of Ireland and the EU on issues such as poverty reduction, human rights and good governance. However, I believe that this contrast can be overstated. There are signs that China is increasingly aware of the importance of peace and stability in Africa and, as such, these are areas of shared interest with Ireland and the EU. China also has a large contribution to make in Africa by the sharing of experience on the reduction of poverty, including in some key areas for Africa such as raising agricultural productivity.

At the EU-China Summit held in Nanjing last November both sides welcomed trilateral dialogue between the EU, China and Africa, and agreed to explore appropriate areas for cooperation. They reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the full and timely achievement of the Millennium Development Goals and to supporting Africa's sustainable development and early economic recovery from the global financial crisis. At the most recent summit, held in Brussels earlier this month, both sides reaffirmed their active commitment to peace and sustainable development of the world.

I am also of the view that the commitment of African countries to human rights, gender equality, good governance and the fight against corruption is not only the product of pressure related to assistance from donors. African countries are participants in a wide range of international instruments which guarantee such freedoms and are, as is Ireland, accountable under the terms of these international agreements.

As regards the provision of Overseas Development Aid, Ireland's assistance has a strong focus on poverty reduction and hunger. We work closely with our partner governments in Africa, and other donors, to ensure that international aid has the most effective impact in reducing poverty, alleviating hunger and in the providing basic services such as health and education. We welcome the provision of development aid to Africa by new donors who share our commitment to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. China's engagement in Africa has the potential to contribute significantly to economic growth and to poverty reduction across the continent.

Ireland will continue to work with our partners in Africa, and other international donors to ensure that Overseas Development Assistance is directed to those areas most in need and is used in the most effective way in the fight against hunger and poverty.