Bernard J. Durkan
Question:280 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the countries with which Ireland has a bilateral aid agreement; if it is intended to increase this number; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7430/03]
Written Answers - Overseas Development Aid.
Ireland maintains bilateral aid agreements with six countries in Africa, known as programme countries: Tanzania, Lesotho, Zambia, Ethiopia, Uganda and Mozambique.
These agreements are given practical effect in the form of triennial country strategy papers, CSPs, agreed between Ireland and partner Governments. CSPs cover all aspects of our development aid relationship with the country concerned and outline both the priorities for assistance and the financial envelope within which such programmes are to be funded. CSPs also govern the terms of our partnership with the Governments of South Africa and East Timor.
The report of the Ireland Aid review committee published in 2002 recommended, inter alia, that:
At least one and possibly two new programme countries might be selected from the Least Developed Countries in that region (sub-Saharan Africa) whose needs are acute and which could be expected to respond well to an Ireland Aid engagement building on the experience gained from existing bilateral programmes.
The review goes on to outline the criteria for the selection of new countries and makes a further recommendation in relation to Asia:
Without diluting the focus of the bilateral programme on sub-Saharan Africa, the Committee recommends that Ireland Aid explore the scope for adding a new programme country in Asia. A number of Least Developed Countries in South East Asia appear suitable candidates. . . .
To implement the recommendations of the review in respect of new programme countries, my Department is examining a number of candidates in sub-Saharan Africa and south-east Asia.