asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will state in respect of the years 1960-61, 1965-66 and 1970-71 (a) the percentage GNP given in official aid to developing countries and (b) the estimated percentage of GNP given in private aid; and if he will state how these figures compare with those for Italy, Austria, Denmark and Norway in those years.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Aid to Developing Countries.
10.
Ireland's official aid to the developing countries in the years 1960-61, 1965-66 and 1970-71 amounted to, respectively, .05 per cent, .03 per cent and .11 per cent of our gross national product. No figures are available for this country's very substantial private aid to the developing countries. However, two well-qualified bodies now have in hand the difficult task of attempting to evaluate this aid. Our figures for official aid are lower than those of the other countries mentioned in the question but it is our aim to improve them according as our economic circumstances permit. Of course, comparisons which do not take into account our important contribution in the field of private aid could be misleading.
Could the Minister state what are the figures for the other countries in respect of these years?
As a percentage of GNP the figures were:—Italy: 1960, .3; 1965, .16; 1969, which is the latest available, .17. Austria: 1965, .34; 1969, .18. Denmark: 1960, .09; 1965, .13; 1969, .41. Norway: 1960, .22; 1965, .17; 1969, .39.
Would the Minister not agree that the final part of his reply seems to suggest that the Government should get out of its obligations by relying on the work of Irish missionaries? Does he not agree that whatever great work may be done by Irish missionaries, it should not prevent our Government making its contribution as well?
As our capacity to contribute improves it is policy to do so.
The Minister will accept the target is a contribution of 1 per cent of GNP from each country?
It is clearly recognised as far as that target and other targets are concerned that special regard must be had to countries like Ireland which are net importers of capital.
Is the Minister suggesting that we are ten times worse off than other European countries, that we can only afford one-tenth of the contribution?