Minister Kitt Welcomes the Institute of European Affairs' Submission on the WTO Millennium Trade Round

Mr Tom Kitt, T.D., Minister for Labour, Trade and Consumer Affairs today (Friday, 19 November, 1999) welcomed the submission by the Institute of European Affairs of an Interim Report on the forthcoming WTO Trade Negotiations to be launched in Seattle.

"With the WTO Seattle Ministerial just over a week away", said the Minister, "this Interim Report from the Institute of European Affairs setting out the Implications for Ireland is a very timely contribution to Ireland's preparations for that meeting."

"The Institute is an ideal forum for carrying out this type of analysis," said Minister Kitt, "as it is able to draw on a very wide range of experts and business operators. The current report was drawn up by the Institute's WTO group which is subdivided into four sub-groups covering industry, services, agriculture and legal issues."

Minister Kitt stressed the importance of getting input and views on the New Round from key elements in Irish Society. "The involvement of civil society is critical to the successful conclusion of negotiations under any New WTO Round to be launched at Seattle," he said. "Along with the Institute, I have had contacts with many other business and non-business organisations, including a variety of NGOs, and these contacts will increase and intensify as the negotiations progress over the coming three years."

"It's not just about business interests," added Minister Kitt "all sections of civil society have an interest in the Millennium Round of Trade negotiations.

Minister Kitt confirmed his intention to continue to consult widely as the negotiations evolve. "The Institute too has promised to continue its own consideration of the issues over the duration of the negotiations and to continue to liaise with me."

The Minister concluded by saying that "continuing, widescale consultations can only lead to an improvement in the quality of Ireland's contribution to these negotiations."