Finian McGrath
Question:79 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on Ireland’s 0.7% in overseas aid and its current position. [19361/12]
View answerWednesday, 18 April 2012
Questions (85, 86)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:80 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the Ipsos-MRBI poll showing that notwithstanding our economic difficulties 80 percent of people here still want Ireland to deliver on this promise to spend 0.7% of national income on overseas aid by 2015; and if he will confirm that this commitment still stands and will be delivered on schedule. [19460/12]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 79 and 80 together.
Ireland's aid programme prioritises the fight against global poverty and hunger, with a particular focus on the world poorest countries in sub-Saharan Africa. The programme is central to our foreign policy, enjoys strong cross-party and public support and reflects the values of the Irish people, and our long term interests globally. Ireland's aid programme is internationally recognised as being one of the best in the world — the OECD Development Assistance Committee describes our programme as "cutting edge" and a champion in making aid more effective.
I am aware of the results of the Dochas/Ipsos MRBI opinion poll published in late 2011. The survey, which was commissioned by Dochas — the umbrella group of Irish development NGOs — found that despite the economic downturn, almost 80% of respondents expressed strong support for overseas aid. I welcome such support which is a public validation of the quality and direction of our aid programme.
Our Programme for Government contains a clear commitment to supporting the aid programme, and to the UN target of providing 0.7% of Gross National Product (GNP) for Official Development Assistance (ODA).
In the current year, the Government has provided a total of €639 million to ODA, which is expected to represent over 0.5% of GNP. Given the unprecedented difficult economic conditions and fiscal constraints currently facing the country this allocation represents a real commitment by the Government, and the people of Ireland, to the aid programme and, more importantly, to assisting the world's poorest people. We can be enormously proud of this achievement at this time.
The Government is ambitious for and committed to the aid programme. We are determined it will maintain and build on its high international reputation, and that it continues to build the foundation of real change, future prosperity and well being in the lives of many of the world's poorest people.