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Overseas Development Aid Oversight

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 November 2012

Tuesday, 27 November 2012

Questions (177)

Simon Harris

Question:

177. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the amount of Irish overseas aid that was provided in development aid in 2011 and to date in 2012; the amount that was provided in emergency aid in 2011 and to date in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52478/12]

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Written answers

In 2011, Ireland provided a total of €657 million in Official Development Assistance (ODA). Approximately €520 million was administered by my Department through Irish Aid with the balance consisting of ODA eligible contributions by other Government Departments and Ireland’s share of the EU development cooperation budget.

The total of €657 million in 2011 includes approximately €81 million provided through various Emergency and Recovery funding channels. Irish Aid responded directly to emergency and humanitarian crisis situations throughout the world including Somalia, Sudan, Kenya, Ethiopia, Liberia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Funding in excess of €20 million was provided through contributions to common humanitarian and pooled funds. This enabled us to provide a rapid response, through trusted and accountable implementing partners, to emergency and crisis situations in countries where there is no direct Irish Aid presence or where such agencies bring additional value and experience.

For 2012 the Government has allocated an estimated €639 million to Ireland’s ODA programme. My Department will administer €514 million of this total. It is anticipated that this allocation will be fully spent by the year end and that the funding provided for emergency and recovery assistance will be broadly in line with the 2011 level. However final figures will not be available until after the year end.

A detailed breakdown of Ireland’s ODA is published each year in the statistical annexes to the Irish Aid Annual Report. The annexes provide a comprehensive analysis of Ireland’s ODA, including the developing countries supported; the areas or sectors in which we engage, and the partner organisations implementing our development programmes. I am arranging for a copy of the most recent publication to be sent to the Deputy.

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