asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs (i) if he intends to apply on behalf of this country for membership of the Development Assistance Committee, (ii) the conditions for membership of the committee and (iii) the advantages that would accrue to this country through participation in the work and deliberation of the Development Assistance Committee.
Written Answers. - Development Assistance Committee.
200.
1. The question of Irish membership of the Development Assistance Committee—DAC—of the OECD is under consideration but no decision has yet been taken. In recent years, Ireland has become increasingly interested in the work of the DAC. As our aid programme has grown, we have sought to apply DAC standards and procedures as far as possible.
2. The conditions of membership are that the applicant should have established an aid programme and should subscribe to the aims and guiding principles outlined in the recommendations and resolutions adopted by the DAC since its establishment in 1960.
3. DAC membership would assist the formulation of aid policies and help to improve the administration of aid programmes.