Vol. 439 No. 2
38 Mr. Barry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in the context of developments in South Africa, our overseas development aid programme will have to be revamped, particularly with respect to Africa; and if he will make a statement on the advisory committee's strategy concerning new priority countries.
The Irish Aid Strategy Plan, which was published in July of last year, has already taken account of the very welcome developments in South Africa. It undertook to provide increased assistance to South Africa, in particular for education and the improvement of the public administration. Work has begun on drawing up a programme of co-operation aimed at underpinning the democratic process in that country by promoting development. The recent establishment of an embassy in Pretoria will facilitate the identification of suitable projects for Irish funding.
The commitment to assist South Africa will not be made at the expense of the poorer countries in sub-Saharan Africa, in particular the priority countries which are recipients of Irish aid. Three of the four countries concerned — Lesotho, Zambia and Tanzania — are neighbours, or near neighbours of South Africa. They are understandably apprehensive that the lifting of sanctions could see foreign aid and investment diverted to South Africa. These countries may be assured that Ireland will not be changing the basic focus of its aid policy as a result of the democratisation of South Africa. Over the next four years we plan to increase assistance to the existing priority countries.
