55 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action the Government proposes to take in the pursuit of the cancellation of Third World debt as sought by the Jubilee 2000 Campaign. [25517/99]

One of the most serious challenges facing the international community is that of the debt burden on developing countries, especially the poorest. Debt repayments required of many heavily indebted poor countries or HIPC's are greatly in excess of development assistance flows. The efforts of many of the most impoverished countries to achieve sustainable development are frustrated by their level of indebtedness. This is unacceptable and calls for a positive and comprehensive response by the international community.