Sustaining Progress - Department of Taoiseach

Chapter 4 Sustaining Progress
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effective Presidency of the EU in the first half of 2004, support the enlargement process and the
accession/integration of ten new Member States on 1st May 2004. It will actively participate in the
World Summit on the Information Society to develop a common vision on the Information Society,
including the role of ICTs in development co-operation. In its approach to the negotiation on the Doha
Development agenda, Ireland will work to ensure a balanced and successful outcome that reflects the
Doha undertaking to improve the effective participation of least-developed countries in international
trade on a fairer and sustainable basis, while protecting our vital national interests.
International trade has experienced far-reaching structural change in recent years. These changes
have far-reaching implications for Ireland because of its heavy dependence on trading internationally,
with 6 out of every 10 jobs dependent on exports. The Trade Advisory Forum provides a mechanism for
engagement with relevant interests on how these challenges will be met going forward.
Underpinning our approach to the wider world is the recognition that economic and social development and
environmental protection go hand-in-hand in the achievement of sustainable development at home and
abroad; and active support for sustainable development in the developing world. Ireland shall continue to play
a role in ensuring that the combating of HIV/AIDS remains a top priority on the international agenda. Meeting
the UN target of 0.7% of GNP expended by 2007 on overseas development assistance remains Government
policy. Ireland will also seek regular monitoring of the EU commitment at the Barcelona European Council to
achieve an average Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) expenditure among EU Member States of 0.39%
of GNP by 2006. The Government has concluded that, in principle, the total cancellation of the debts of the
Heavily Indebted Poor Countries is a politically acceptable objective and one that it would support.
4.5 Agriculture
Objective
■ That farm families can enjoy increasing living standards in keeping with general economic
and social development through the maintenance of an agriculture and food sector that is:
● profitable;
● competitive;
● innovative; and
● sustainable.
■ The retention of the maximum number of farm families in the context of the EU model of
multifunctionality, recognising:
● 2002 was a difficult year for farmers through a combination of poor weather and reduced
product prices;
● the consequential reduction in farm incomes, particularly in the case of full-time farmers; and
● the need for additional sources of income in rural areas to support the living standards of
smaller scale farmers.
■ The development of an agriculture and food sector that remains at the core of balanced rural
and regional development.
■ The strengthening and development of a core of commercial full-time farms that will be viable
both in providing an income at least equivalent to the average industrial wage and sufficient
funding for ongoing investment in the farm enterprise.