Vol. 523 No. 4
61 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress the Government has made to increase its aid to the developing world to four times that of the current level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21046/00]
63 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he expects Ireland to meet the UN recommended levels of overseas development aid to date; his plans for improvement in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21404/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 61 and 63 together.
Official development assistance, the sum of all payments, credits and transfers made by the Government for the purpose of aid to developing countries, is expected to exceed £208 million in 2000. On current estimates, that should equal 0.31% of gross national product.
On 6 September last the Taoiseach announced at the UN Millennium Summit that the Government had decided to increase the aid allocation to reach the United Nations target of 0.7% of GNP by 2007. He said that furthermore the Government would meet an interim target in 2002 of 0.45% of GNP.
In preparation for the expanding aid programme, a review will be undertaken shortly of all aspects of that programme. The review will involve consultations with all domestic and foreign stakeholders and will establish a solid policy basis for future growth.
Question No. 62 taken with Question No. 60.
Question No. 63 taken with Question No. 61.
Question No. 64 taken with Question No. 59.
