Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Anton Balazh via Shutterstock

Column Ireland is reviewing its foreign policy – but it's asking the wrong questions

Taking the example of Ireland’s evolving relationship with Africa, it becomes clear that the DFA’s review of external relations might not be on the right track, writes Andy Storey.

THE DEPARTMENT OF Foreign Affairs and Trade is currently reviewing Ireland’s foreign policy and external relations, and has invited interested parties to make submissions. Amongst the questions it has asked contributors to respond to are the following:

How can our foreign policy and economic diplomacy support [Irish] economic development and growth?

How can a commitment to international development be better reflected across Ireland’s foreign policy?

Unfortunately, the answers to these two questions may not be compatible, as is increasingly evident if we look at the example of Ireland’s evolving relationship with Africa. The Department produced a document in September 2011 entitled Ireland and Africa: Our Partnership with a Changing Continent.

This new Africa strategy contained a number of elements that suggested an increasing prioritisation of Irish commercial interests in Africa. For example, the discussion of the World Bank in Africa ignored critiques of that organisation’s record – on issues such as promoting the displacement of small farmers from their land – and instead focused on increasing efforts to ensure that Irish companies get as many contracts as possible to supply goods and services to Bank projects. This could be argued to run counter to the document’s claimed emphasis on “building local systems and the capability to deliver local solutions”, which would require that African companies be accorded priority.

Appropriate strategies?

The strategy likewise claimed to be committed to reducing hunger in Africa but did not say how this was compatible with efforts (also highlighted in the document) to promote the sale of Irish food and drink products in Africa. If local production is displaced by such exports, how is African food security advanced? And in view of the contribution of the Irish financial services sector to the collapse of the Celtic Tiger, and destabilisation of the global economy more generally, how appropriate was it for the strategy to prioritise the promotion of Irish financial service exports to African countries?

Those Irish commercial interests already present in Africa were lauded in the strategy: “The footprint of Irish economic activity has been enhanced by the presence of a small number of multinational companies with strong Irish connections… Their reach is normally across several countries, and they are brands that would be recognised by many African business people and Government contacts”.

But for what reasons might they be recognised? Kenmare Resources in Mozambique has been documented avoiding local taxation, while Tullow Oil in Uganda and elsewhere has signed contracts for resource exploration that are far from transparent; it also faces charges (denied by the company) of offering bribes to the Ugandan government to help it avoid taxes.

Environmentally damaging projects in Africa

This emergent Irish approach to Africa was equally evident in a consultancy report produced in September 2012 for the Irish Engineering Enterprises Federation (part of the Irish Business and Employers’ Confederation), Enterprise Ireland and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Entitled Winning Business in Africa, the report honed in on how Irish companies might win contracts from international aid donors – the World Bank (again), the African Development Bank, the European Investment Bank and the European Development Fund – with a particular focus on the sectors of infrastructure, energy, water and mining.

The record of the European Investment Bank has been the subject of particular criticism on the grounds, amongst others, that it funds environmentally damaging projects in Africa and elsewhere. Some €12 billion of potential funding was identified in 11 different African countries.

In the foreword to this 2012 report, Joe Costello TD, Minister of State for Trade and Development, said that “The Embassy network across Africa will support Irish business”, a position reiterated by the Minister during trade missions to Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya in late 2013. The 2012 report recommended close cooperation between Irish companies and ventures such as the EU Water Initiative and the EU Raw Materials Initiative (intended to guarantee European access to vital inputs from around the world).

The promotion of European commercial interests?

Both these initiatives have been heavily criticised for reasons including the advancement of a water privatisation agenda that has not delivered improved access to water for recipients, and attempted prohibitions on the use, as development tools, by African governments of export taxes on raw materials. There is a strong argument that such EU initiatives are, hardly surprisingly, about the promotion of European commercial interests rather than the interests of African users of water or suppliers of raw materials.

To return to the opening question, “How can our foreign policy and economic diplomacy support [Irish] economic development and growth?” The answer is, in part, through the adoption of some of the policies advanced in the documents discussed above. But that is, again in part at least, at odds with “How… a commitment to international development [could] be better reflected across Ireland’s foreign policy”. Highlighting the incompatibility of these objectives should be a high priority for those making submissions to the current review process.

Andy Storey is a lecturer at the School of Politics and International Relations, UCD, and chairperson of the NGO Action from Ireland (Afri, www.afri.ie)

Column: Our changing relationship with Africa is strong and enduring

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

View 31 comments
Close
31 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Pat Mustard
    Favourite Pat Mustard
    Report
    Feb 2nd 2014, 12:21 PM

    The number one issue with regards to Africa that needs to be sorted is to stop giving aid to countries that spend millions, and even hundreds of millions, on weaponry such as fighter jets.

    Our own military does not have any fighter jets so I don’t see why we should give aid to countries that can afford to buy their own fighter jets while we look after their people with aid handouts!

    127
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Edward Malone
    Favourite Edward Malone
    Report
    Feb 2nd 2014, 1:58 PM

    We give aid BECAUSE their government is doing such a bad job… I’m sure your someone who is a supporter if charity at home? Think we’d need charity if our government was doing a grand job??

    17
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Padraic O'Dwyer
    Favourite Padraic O'Dwyer
    Report
    Feb 2nd 2014, 4:32 PM

    @ Pat mustard. So called development aid is often coupled with contracts to buy fighter jets etc, signed by totally corrupt government officials, ( if they don’t comply they find themselves on the other side of the fence) in return for a bank account in Switzerland and a place for their children in a University in London or Paris. Many cannot say no. That said, I have lived some years in Africa, and yes Ireland still has a very good reputation there as an ex colony, Honest political leaders would be open for business with us. Read a report some time ago in the German Spiegel (equivalent to the economist) that European nations, through the help of multinational corporations, extract far more wealth from Africa in the form of cheap minerals, high interest rates on bank loans, etc, etc, than it gives back in aid. Have you heard of the 5:50:500 ratio?
    Each year NGOs have contributed at least $5 billion to the Developing World.
    Each year Governments have contributed at least $50 billion to the Developing World.
    Each year the Developing World loses an average of $500 billion as a result of the unjust international economic system.
    (OECD & IMF based figures – from research by Bertrand Borg & Colm Regan)
    “So in short for every $55 billion transferred to the Developing World by the Developed World, $500 billion is transferred in the opposite direction”

    29
    See 4 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Pokey2013
    Favourite Pokey2013
    Report
    Feb 2nd 2014, 4:45 PM

    Good comments, you know your stuff!

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Chris Doherty
    Favourite Chris Doherty
    Report
    Feb 2nd 2014, 5:04 PM

    I have no problem giving aid , gave my first pennies to the black babies when I was 5, however half a century later Africa’s problems are still not solved. Is it not about time that we asked what our money did and does in Africa. From what I see the African for the most are uneducated, but that does not mean they are stupid, so why with hundreds of years of European influence does the county still look like a primitive outpost on some distant planet with little or no basis survival skills. Looking at adverts for aid in Africa, there looks to be an absence of men , leaving the women and children looking after the crops, is it a culture and way of life that needs to be looked at to determine the best way to help or are we trying to impose our methods in a continent that totally differs from the European mode.

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute David Carroll
    Favourite David Carroll
    Report
    Feb 2nd 2014, 6:22 PM

    Believe me the people in control of the countries money / aid just pocket it. All African governments are corrupt with political party’s wanting power and control for personal gain. Hence why there is so many cvil wars, its all about controling the money

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Padraic O'Dwyer
    Favourite Padraic O'Dwyer
    Report
    Feb 2nd 2014, 8:42 PM

    @ pat mustard : I admit that your populist opinions are a much debated topic of discussion in Ireland today. In Greece we have the Nazi Golden dawn etc

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Conor O'Riordan
    Favourite Conor O'Riordan
    Report
    Feb 2nd 2014, 12:20 PM

    Reading this it seems Irish foreign policy is built in the interests of big multinational companies first and the welfare and interests of the local people second. Not a shock. This is how modern capitalism works.

    82
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jeremy Usbourne
    Favourite Jeremy Usbourne
    Report
    Feb 2nd 2014, 12:35 PM

    Its the main roll of embassies to represent the companies & goods of their home country.

    It sucks, but its the norm for pretty much all countries.

    28
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Austin Rock
    Favourite Austin Rock
    Report
    Feb 2nd 2014, 12:16 PM

    The problem with Ireland’s foreign policy is – we don’t have one. Everything we do or say is on the same line as EU foreign policy, no matter if its Africa, Syria, Ukraine, Iran doesn’t matter or policy comes from Berlin. We need a foreign policy based on what is right/wrong end off and what is in Ireland’s not Berlins interest.

    53
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sean Collins
    Favourite Sean Collins
    Report
    Feb 2nd 2014, 12:21 PM

    The Dublin establishment should be more concerned with how it is viewed in Kiltimagh than Uzbekistan or wherever

    34
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Genius
    Favourite Genius
    Report
    Feb 2nd 2014, 12:42 PM

    It has nothing to do with Dublin these people are from every part of Ireland even your part Sean

    21
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Petr Tarasov
    Favourite Petr Tarasov
    Report
    Feb 2nd 2014, 11:03 PM

    Yes Sean, the Department of Foreign Affairs should be thinking about how it’s perceived in Kiltimagh!

    Keep taking those pills.

    5
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jesusmandude
    Favourite Jesusmandude
    Report
    Feb 3rd 2014, 12:29 AM

    can i have pills?

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jake Walsh
    Favourite Jake Walsh
    Report
    Feb 2nd 2014, 1:31 PM

    How about we use the money allocated for foreign aid to pay off our national debt? It mightn’t be much in comparison but it will surely help…

    27
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Edward Malone
    Favourite Edward Malone
    Report
    Feb 2nd 2014, 2:00 PM

    You’d rather pay off loans to banks than feed starving people? F€ck you

    20
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute wright sean
    Favourite wright sean
    Report
    Feb 2nd 2014, 2:28 PM

    @ Edward why should we give free money to people who would 100 percent not help us out if it was the other way around.Look after the Irish before anyone else

    25
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Edward Malone
    Favourite Edward Malone
    Report
    Feb 2nd 2014, 3:01 PM

    Ok wrong Sean

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Patricia Ann McCarthy Moore
    Favourite Patricia Ann McCarthy Moore
    Report
    Feb 2nd 2014, 12:28 PM

    I don’t know. This will probably require the setting up of another (quango), consultancy on foreign relations. Perhaps Irish Water could send free bottled water to Africa.

    26
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ciaran De Bhal
    Favourite Ciaran De Bhal
    Report
    Feb 2nd 2014, 1:33 PM

    Can anyone translate ?

    29
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Patricia Ann McCarthy Moore
    Favourite Patricia Ann McCarthy Moore
    Report
    Feb 3rd 2014, 5:34 PM

    Do you need it translated into Swahili? Other possibilities are that you need to learn to read English or else you should visit the opticians.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute wright sean
    Favourite wright sean
    Report
    Feb 2nd 2014, 2:26 PM

    About time.How about we start with not giving immigrants free money as soon as they enter the country

    23
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute White Fang
    Favourite White Fang
    Report
    Feb 2nd 2014, 6:48 PM

    That doesn’t happen.

    If it does, I’m sure you can provide sources.

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Theresa Carter
    Favourite Theresa Carter
    Report
    Feb 2nd 2014, 12:25 PM

    Irish policy- limited to the parameters set by some staff holed up 9 to 5 in a public building. No potential for thinking outside the box- or the lobbyist.

    Who dictates the questions? They predetermine the policy.

    22
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ben Frank
    Favourite Ben Frank
    Report
    Feb 2nd 2014, 3:32 PM

    Irish Foreign Policy?? What a joke. We insist on beating our own people to death with austerity and sold our futures for nothing, so why should I care what messed up plans it has for other nations?

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jack Bowden
    Favourite Jack Bowden
    Report
    Feb 2nd 2014, 5:28 PM

    IMO. Until we are running a balanced budget we shouldn’t be giving free handouts to anyone.

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Conor O'Riordan
    Favourite Conor O'Riordan
    Report
    Feb 2nd 2014, 12:49 PM

    I know it’s the norm. That’s why I’m bemoaning it.

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute David Giles
    Favourite David Giles
    Report
    Feb 2nd 2014, 1:01 PM

    The prime purpose of Irish foreign policy is to advance the interests of Ireland. These interests do not have to be incompatible with the interests of Africa, a country where Ireland is highly regarded as it is not a former colonial power.

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Conor O'Riordan
    Favourite Conor O'Riordan
    Report
    Feb 2nd 2014, 3:07 PM

    The fact you referred to Africa as a country sort of negates what you have to say.

    But anyway, you say “These interests do not have to be incompatible with the interests of Africa”. Yeah they don’t. But it’s funny how the vast majority of the time they are. Profit first, people second. The same mantra that exists everywhere.

    18
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Petr Tarasov
    Favourite Petr Tarasov
    Report
    Feb 2nd 2014, 11:00 PM

    David — The role of DFA is not to advance the interests of Irish and international capital, yet this seems to be their constant obsession.

    5
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds