Charlie O'Connor
Question:131 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department continues committed to development aid to the Third World; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15742/04]
View answerWednesday, 26 May 2004
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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 Government 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 development co-operation.
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.