Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 Oct 2001

Vol. 542 No. 2

Written Answers. - Overseas Development Aid.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

197 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in the light of recent worldwide events, he has proposals to increase immediately the Government's contribution to overseas development in line with the UN suggested level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24345/01]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

198 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the degree to which moneys have been expended under the bilateral aid programme in 2001; if he proposes to enhance or increase the moneys available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24346/01]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 197 and 198 together.

It is assumed that the reference to recent developments throughout the world concerns the appalling events which took place in the United States on 11 September and their global implications. Details of the Government's response to these events have been provided separately in my replies to the relevant questions also taken today.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Government decided in September 2000 to move progressively to the UN target for overseas development of 0.7% of GNP. The intention is that this target will be met by 2007 and that an interim target of 0.45% of GNP will be achieved by the end of 2002.

Following this decision, agreement was reached between the Ministers for Finance and Foreign Affairs on a three year allocation for Vote 39 for the period 2001-2003. The amounts agreed were as follows:

	Vote 39	Increase on previous year
	£m	£m
2001	188	52
2002	293	105
2003	347	54

Total payments to date this year from Vote 39 amount to £144 million and we are on target to spend the full provision of £188 million in 2001.