Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 October 2012
43. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade following his public commitment to reaching the UN target of development aid spending of 0.7 of GNP, if he will specify a timescale for reaching this target; and in view of this public commitment if he will ensure that Budget 2013 will not cut official development assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44804/12]
View answerThe Programme for Government contains a clear commitment to Ireland's aid programme, and to the UN target of providing 0.7% of Gross National Product (GNP) for Official Development Assistance (ODA). As the Deputy will be aware, in my recent address at the United Nations General Assembly, I again confirmed the Government's commitment to the aid programme and to reaching the 0.7% UN target as soon as we possibly can. Despite the enormously challenging budgetary environment we have managed to maintain our ODA levels above 0.5% of GNP. This is an important and significant achievement and a very clear indication of our commitment to the poor and hungry in the world and it is making a real difference in the lives of millions. The 0.7% target can only be achieved with the restoration of sustainable growth in the economy. This is the Government's absolute priority and we are working extremely hard to achieve this goal.
The Government remains ambitious for, and committed to, the aid programme. We are determined to maintain and build on its high international reputation, and to ensure 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.
The 2013 budget is a matter for consideration by Government. While I can assure the Deputy that I will make the strongest possible case for the development programme, it would be inappropriate for me to speculate on the outcome of these deliberations.
