Bernard J. Durkan
Question:95 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent and location of the Government's bilateral aid programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Bilateral Aid Programme.
I wish to draw the Deputy's attention to the reply which I gave to the House on 27 January 1994 when I set out the priorities for the Irish aid programme for the next three years.
It is the intention that the Government's aid programme should continue to focus on the poorest countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Uganda and Ethiopia are being added to the existing four countries which have priority in our aid programme namely Lesotho, Tanzania, Zambia and Sudan. Assistance will also be given towards rehabilitation projects in Mozambique.
The concentration on these countries does not, of course, preclude involvement by the aid programme in other countries. In this regard, the Deputy may wish to note the continued commitment of the Government to give assistance to Somalia, South Africa, Zimbabwe and the Occupied Territories and to consider funding projects in Vietnam and Cambodia.