asked the Minister for Finance if he will make 1 per cent of the GNP available to developing nations.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Aid to Developing Countries.
32.
As I explained on 3rd May last in reply to a similar question by the Deputy 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, that is, official and private.
It is the Government's intention to increase the annual level of official assistance to developing countries over a period of years by way of a comprehensive and balanced programme. In my budget speech I stated that I was doubling the amount provided in 1972-73 for official development assistance.
Is the Minister aware of the concern expressed by OECD sources regarding what appears to be diminishing contributions in the help to underdeveloped nations and if he might consider, in his next budget, making a further contribution?
I do not think anybody has suggested that Ireland is making a reduction in its contribution because Ireland's contribution has been on the increase. However, many countries, with much greater resources than ours, have not been increasing their contribution at the same rate as we have. It is worth bearing in mind that the United Nations having urged that people should strive to achieve the target figure of 1 per cent also said that regard would be had for the special position of countries which are not net importers of capital. Ireland falls into this position. I am not saying this is a reason why we should not strive; I am saying we are striving, and this year we have doubled the contribution and we hope to continue to increase it.
Would the Minister consider a method whereby we could identify the total contribution made from private and public sources which is very difficult to do at the moment? Irish people are generally generous but it is hard to identify exactly what our contribution is.
I agree with the Deputy entirely. I would say that if we were able to prove what the private contribution was we would find that Ireland was among the leaders in contributions made. However, it is difficult to identify the sums if they do not pass through the normal channels. We are endeavouring to make reliable assessments as to what Ireland's contribution is both private and public.
We were on the breadline a minute ago according to the Deputy.