Vol. 565 No. 3
162 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department has drawn up a detailed plan and timescale to implement its stated intention of increasing overseas development aid to meet the UN target of 0.7% of GNP by 2007. [11009/03]
Total ODA increased from €320 million, 0.33% of GNI, in 2001 to some €420 million, 0.41% of GNI, in 2002. Current indications are that ODA in 2003 will reach €450 million, our highest ever level of spending on development co-operation. This will approximate to 0.41% of GNI in 2003. Maintaining our contribution as a proportion of GNI in these difficult times is a measure of the Government's clear commitment to the aid programme and to achieving the UN target of 0.7% by 2007.
