Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 May 2004
62 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the allocation for ODA in his Department’s Estimates for 2004; if it remains the Government’s commitment to meet the target for ODA of 0.7% of GNP by 2007; the proportion of that target that will be met in 2004 and in each successive year up to 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14551/04]
View answer92 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had a meeting with development agencies on the subject of Ireland’s overseas development aid contribution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13792/04]
View answer123 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the achievement of 0.7% overseas development assistance by 2007 continues to be Government policy; the way in which it is proposed to accelerate ODA provision in view of the fact that the current level is 0.42% when the target for 2002 was 0.45%; the steps that will be taken during the remainder of 2004 to make better progress towards the 0.7% target; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14870/04]
View answer131 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when it is expected that Ireland can increased its contribution to overseas development aid in line with the UN objectives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14789/04]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 62, 92, 123 and 131 together.
The Government continues to have as an objective the achievement of the ODA target of 0.7% of GNP by 2007. Despite the many pressures on the public finances at present, an allocation of €400 million has been made in the 2004 Estimates to my Department's Vote for International Co-operation. In addition, elements of ODA which are administered by other Departments are expected to total some €80 million this year. Total spending on ODA, therefore, is expected to approach €480 million in 2004, the highest ever in the history of the programme. This level of expenditure demonstrates the strong commitment of the Government to the attainment of the UN target.
In 2001 and 2002, our aid expenditure amounted to 0.33% and 0.41% of GNP, respectively. Provisional figures indicate that we maintained the percentage at 0.41% in 2003. This year, it is likely to reach the same level or possibly exceed it. In percentage terms, Ireland is one of the world's leading donors, we are currently in joint seventh place, and well ahead of the EU average. The Government hopes that increased allocations, the scale and timing of which will be considered on an ongoing basis, will be possible over the coming years with a view to the achievement of our objective.
As Minister of State with responsibility for development co-operation and human rights, I have regular meetings — with development agencies and other organisations and individuals with an interest in development co-operation — at which Ireland's overseas development aid contribution is among the subjects discussed.
