Bernard J. Durkan
Question:116 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he proposes new bilateral aid agreements in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13295/01]
Written Answers - Bilateral Aid Programme.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Government decided last September to move progressively to the United Nations target for assistance for poorer countries of 0.7% of gross national product and that this target would be reached by the year 2007.
At the same time the Government also decided to authorise a full review of the Irish aid programme with a view to establishing a revitalised policy base for the growth in allocations. The terms of reference for that review were approved by the Government in December and it got under way in February. This process will determine the future shape of the aid programme, including whether there will be any geographic expansion of the bilateral programme.