Private sector role in development aid
Ryan urges greater Irish involvement in bilateral and multilateral assistance, including the private sector; the Minister says he will address the matter with the relevant questions.
Would the Minister bear in mind that Ireland is a most acceptable country in the Third World for the operation of development assistance not merely on a bilateral basis, but, indeed, on a multilateral basis? Many indications have been given—the most recent by the EEC in Brussels—that Ireland is not yet availing of the opportunities open to her which would operate to the advantage of the countries we would be seeking to assist and of Irish business. Would the Minister make a special effort to involve the private sector because while the State is making its contribution through DEVCO there is a need to involve the private sector that is missing out on many opportunities in the Third World?