Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 October 2013
116. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the impact the €14.1 million reduction in the Irish Aid programme budget will have on its programmes, projects and services; the programmes, projects or services that will be cancelled as a result of this reduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44589/13]
View answer117. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is still committed to the 0.7% of GNP target for overseas development aid; if he will seek to achieve this target by 2015 as set out in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44590/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 116 and 117 together.
The Government is strongly committed to Ireland's overseas aid programme and to its place at the heart of Ireland's foreign policy. Last week's Budget demonstrated that we have broadly stabilised the funding for overseas development assistance despite the very difficult economic circumstances. This will enable Ireland to maintain our leading role in contributing to the fight against extreme poverty and hunger in the world, in policy terms and through the achievements on the ground of our internationally recognised aid programme. For 2014, the Government is providing some €600 million for Official Development Assistance (ODA). This will represent a small reduction on spending in 2013. Detailed financial allocations across the aid programme for 2014 will be finalised over the coming months. I am confident the small reduction on the 2013 allocation can be managed in a way which will not affect our central priorities and core programmes.
The Government's new policy on International Development, 'One World, One Future', focuses sharply on the poorest countries and communities in sub-Saharan Africa and on three goals: reducing hunger, building sustainable growth and good governance. It provides a clear framework for the prioritisation of activities and the allocation of resources to maximise impact, strengthen accountability and demonstrate value for money over the coming years. The new policy also reconfirms our commitment to achieving the UN target of providing 0.7% of Gross National Product for ODA, when economic circumstances permit.
