Overseas Development Aid Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 January 2013

Wednesday, 16 January 2013

Questions (16)

Billy Kelleher

Question:

16. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the target of 0.7% of GNP to be given as overseas development aid for 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1578/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Joe Costello)

Ireland’s aid programme prioritises the fight against global poverty and hunger. It is strongly focused on the poorest countries and communities in sub-Saharan Africa, prioritising investments in the areas of education, health, good governance, food security and nutrition. The programme is central to our foreign policy, has an enviable international reputation, and consistently enjoys strong political and public support.

This Government is strongly committed to Ireland’s aid programme. Our programme for Government contains a very clear commitment to the aid programme and the UN target of providing 0.7% of Gross National Product (GNP) for Official Development Assistance (ODA). However, as I have stated on many occasions in the past, credible progress towards achieving the UN target can only be made through restoring sustainable growth in the economy. This is our absolute priority and we are making solid progress on this front.

Last year, the Government provided €639 million to ODA. For 2013 we have allocated an estimated €623 million - a modest reduction on the 2012 level. Stabilising the ODA budget has been an important and significant achievement for this Government, particularly in light of the extraordinarily difficult economic conditions facing the country.

€623 million remains a very significant allocation of public funds and is a clear indication of our commitment to the aid programme. It represents a genuine investment on behalf of the Irish people to assist those less fortunate than ourselves. The Government is ambitious for the aid programme and is determined to ensure the significant resources allocated continue to maximise results and deliver real and sustainable improvements in the lives of the world's poorest people.