Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 19 Feb 2002

Vol. 548 No. 5

Written Answers. - Overseas Development Aid.

Alan Shatter

Question:

109 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government is funding development aid projects in Zimbabwe; if so, the detail of these projects; and if he intends to follow the approach of the Danish Government in phasing out as quickly as possible such aid due to the constant and systematic violation of human rights and democratic rules in that country. [5581/02]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen):

Ireland Aid, the Government's programme of assistance to developing countries, is in the exit phase of its involvement in Zimbabwe.

For reasons related both to Zimbabwe's current state of governance and to its status in development terms hitherto – it is not in the least developed category – there has been no government to government programme of assistance for Zimbabwe. However, some limited assistance has been provided either through non-Governmental agencies or through multilateral organisations for interventions designed to address the basic needs of the poorest of the poor.

In this regard, our remaining involvement is the final phase of a programme to provide water and sanitation in poor rural areas of western Zimbabwe. The programme, valued this year at €952,303, is implemented by UNICEF. Funding for the programme will cease by end 2003.

We share the view of the Danish Government that programmes of assistance cannot be sustained in countries which fall below required thresholds in terms of the quality of governance.