John Deasy
Question:194 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the priorities for Development Co-operation Ireland for 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2638/05]
View answerWednesday, 2 February 2005
Questions (139)
Written answers
Poverty reduction will continue to be the chief objective of the aid programme administered by Development Co-operation Ireland. Our aim is to address fundamental human needs such as food security, basic education, primary health care and a safe water supply in all of our development programmes. This is in line with the targets set out in the millennium development goals agreed by the international community. In the programme countries in which our aid is focused, we will continue to deliver assistance to meet basic needs through area-based programmes designed in consultation with the countries concerned. In recent years, we have, in addition, become involved in sectoral-based programmes at a national level in key sectors, chiefly education and health. We will also retain an on-going focus on democracy and respect for human rights and the promotion of gender and social equity. We will continue our close partnership with Irish and international NGOs through dialogue on policy development and by funding NGO projects.
It is hardly necessary in the wake of the recent tsunami disaster to state that funding for emergency humanitarian assistance remains a priority for Development Co-operation Ireland. Such funding is normally channelled though Irish NGOs and international humanitarian agencies such as the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Red Cross. Ireland's membership of the European Union, the United Nations and a range of international multilateral organisations allows us to participate in development cooperation programmes at a global level and to provide assistance to areas of need outside of our programme countries. The priority the Government attaches to this very important area of our foreign policy is demonstrated in the substantial increases in the level of funding provided for official development assistance in recent years. In 2005, total ODA is expected to reach a record €545 million. In addition, further increases of €65 million each year have been agreed for 2006 and 2007. When payments by other Departments are factored in, total ODA over the next three years will amount to at least €1.8 billion.
Over the coming months, I will engage in a broad consultative process around the country with a view to the production of a White Paper on development co-operation which sets out coherent, effective and sustainable policy priorities for the Government's official development aid programme.