Conor Lenihan
Question:118 Mr. C. Lenihan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government will increase the level of overseas aid to the Palestinian authority. [22819/98]
Written Answers. - Overseas Development Aid.
Following the 1993 Middle East Peace Agreement, Ireland joined with other international donors in providing practical assistance to underpin the peace process. Ireland pledged annual contributions of $1 million over the five-year period 1994-1998. In 1996, this pledge was renewed and increased to $2 million. When contributions to UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency) are taken into account, Ireland's annual expenditure in favour of Palestine has in fact exceeded that figure.
The Irish Aid programme in Palestine focuses on the poorer sections of the Palestinian populations of the West Bank and Gaza. Assistance is provided through a mix of channels (e. g. Palestinian Ministries, Bethlehem University, NGOs) which has allowed the programme to operate effectively despite the often difficult political and security situation on the ground Assistance is being provided through these various channels to the education, agriculture and energy sectors and, through our contribution to UNRWA, to health care and social services.
Arising from the signature of the Wye Agreement between Israel and the Palestinian National Authority in October, an international donors conference for Palestine is planned for Washington on 30 November 1998. Irish aid to the Palestinian Authority will be considered in the context of the forthcoming donors' conference. Ireland will play a full and active role in the conference, and future levels of assistance will be determined in light of concrete needs and local capacity, as well as the availability of resources.