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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Sep 2003

Vol. 571 No. 1

Written Answers. - Overseas Development Aid.

Dan Boyle

Question:

411 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way in which it is proposed to achieve on a year to year basis the commitment to achieve an overseas development budget of 0.7% by 2007. [21332/03]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

430 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the percentage of GNP that was devoted to overseas aid in 2002 and 2003; and the absolute value of such aid. [19905/03]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

431 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the target 0.7% of GNP for overseas aid will be achieved by 2007. [19906/03]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

432 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans to ensure that the annual budget for overseas aid in 2004 will make realistic progress towards the 0.7% of GNP target for 2007. [19907/03]

Ciarán Cuffe

Question:

450 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the percentage of Irish GNP which is being contributed to developing countries; and when he expects to meet the UN target of 0.7% of Irish GNP being contributed to developing countries. [21320/03]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 411, 430, 431, 432 and 450 together.

The Government's national programme of assistance to developing countries comprises two elements. The major component is my Department's Vote for international co-operation, the allocations for which amounted to €340 million in 2002 and €374 million in 2003. Elements of official development assistance totalling €80 mill ion in 2002 and in 2003, are administered by other Departments. Total spending on ODA, therefore, exceeded €420 million in 2002 and is expected to exceed €450 million in 2003, the highest ever in the history of the programme. Current indications are that this will equate to 0.41% of GNP in 2002 and 2003, compared to 0.33% in 2001.
The level of funding required to reach the 0.7% objective will depend on patterns of economic growth and levels of GNP. As regards the projected level of expenditure for 2004, this will be decided later this year in the context of the annual Estimates negotiations.
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