72 Mrs. Barnes asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the position in the World Trade Organisation negotiations in relation to the granting of duty free access to the European Union for fish and fish products from the least developed countries; the countries he will include in that classification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29005/01]

The World Trade Organisation Ministerial Conference in Doha last week culminated in a comprehensive declaration by participating Ministers setting the way forward for negotiations. This declaration provides for the undertaking of a detailed work programme, including the area of fisheries.

Ireland endorses the key underlying principles and objectives involved in international trade generally which were reaffirmed in Doha. These include, in particular, the major role for international trade in the promotion of economic development, the alleviation of poverty and in addressing the vulnerabilities which the least developed countries face in the increasingly global economy.