Trevor Sargent
Question:121 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when he plans to achieve Ireland's commitment that overseas aid should amount to 0.7% of GNP. [14140/03]
Written Answers. - Overseas Development Aid.
The programme for Government indicates that the UN target of 0.7% of GNP for overseas aid will be achieved by the end of 2007.
Pursuant to this commitment, total official development assistance increased from €320 million, or 0.33% of GNP, in 2001 to €420 million, or 0.41% of GNP, in 2002. This percentage is likely to be maintained in 2003 when total ODA is expected to reach some €450 million, our highest level of spending on development co-operation.