asked the Minister for Finance if he will make 1 per cent of the GNP available for developing nations.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Aid to Developing Countries.
103.
As the Deputy will be aware, this country is committed to increasing its aid to developing countries in so far as resources permit. We have undertaken a general examination of this question with a view to determining how our commitment can best be met. I should, perhaps, explain that the target figure for 1975 of 1 per cent of GNP which was adopted by the United Nations in 1970 as part of the international development strategy for the 1970s refers to total aid, i.e. official and private.
Does the target which the Minister mentioned include manpower?
Yes. If the Deputy means in relation to the costings of development aid support given for manpower for what are called voluntary services, although they may get a subsidy, they will be taken into account.
Would the Minister have available for the past financial year, or the coming financial year, any rough estimate of the percentage we contribute at the moment related to the 1 per cent?
I believe I have it but I have a multitude of figures and it is very difficult to relate like with like. The matter is under very active consideration at present.