Enda Kenny
Question:28 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government will reach its target for overseas development aid by 2007. [18787/04]
View answerThursday, 24 June 2004
Questions (32, 33)
Eamon Gilmore
Question:69 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention was drawn to recent comments during an EU conference on development aid at Dublin Castle from singer and activist Bono that the Government needs to be hurried along in terms of meeting its commitment to provide 0.7% of GNP to poorer countries each year; and his views on criticism of the Government by such an internationally respected figure. [18832/04]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 28 and 69 together.
Despite the many pressures on the public finances an allocation of €400 million was made in the 2004 Estimates to my Department's Vote for international co-operation. Elements of ODA that are administered by other Departments are expected to total €80 million this year. Total spending on ODA is expected to approach €480 million in 2004, the highest ever in the history of the programme. The level of expenditure demonstrates the Government's commitment 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. Ireland is one of the world's leading donors in percentage terms. At present we are 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.
I chaired the recent informal meeting in Dublin Castle so I am aware of Bono's comments. As the Deputy will have seen from press reports about the meeting, Bono acknowledged in his remarks that the Government is serious about achieving the ODA objective of 0.7% of GNP. He has raised the awareness of development co-operation and the need for developed countries to increase ODA allocations. I welcome his interest in the issue and the role he has played in raising the issue around the world.