Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 105: To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which he intends to impress upon his EU colleagues the necessity to ensure that EU trade negotiations in the context of the World Trade Organisation do not impact negatively on this country's national economic recovery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20351/11]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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The World Trade Organisation's Doha Development Round of negotiations is about promoting trade liberalisation with a particular focus on helping developing countries. As Ireland has shown, countries that are open to trade and investment and position themselves to gain most from globalisation, can be more successful than others in sustaining growth and moving up the development ladder. Trade openness contributes to long term growth and employment, provided that it is complemented by appropriate policies.

At the DDA talks the EU Commission negotiates on behalf of all member States, including Ireland. Through the EU Trade Council, the EU Council's Trade Policy Committee and in other fora, I and my Department will continue to co-ordinate Ireland's strategic approach to the ongoing negotiations and to strongly promote Ireland's interests in every aspect of the DDA talks. Finally, the Government remains committed to the achieving the development aims of the Doha Development Round, especially for the Least Developed Countries through an ambitious, fair and balanced outcome from all parts of the negotiations. This reflects our position as a society and a trading nation with diverse manufacturing, service and agribusiness interests.