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Overseas Development Aid Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 April 2014

Thursday, 3 April 2014

Questions (28)

Seán Kyne

Question:

28. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on the current financial provision of the State to the overseas aid programmes; the number of recipient countries and recipient organisations in 2013; the planned number of each in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15384/14]

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Written answers

The Government is very strongly committed to Ireland’s overseas aid programme and to its place at the heart of Irish foreign policy. The aid programme is regarded internationally as one of the most effective in delivering results in the fight against poverty and hunger. Our commitment to development cooperation is clear in the Programme for Government and has been strongly reiterated in our new policy for international development - One World One Future. The policy sets out our vision for a sustainable and just world in which people are empowered to overcome poverty and hunger and to fully realise their rights and potential.

Despite the very severe economic and budgetary situation we have faced, the Government has clearly demonstrated its determination since coming into office to maintain and stabilise the budget for Official Development Assistance (ODA) to the maximum possible extent. In the three years 2011 through 2013 a total of over €1.9 billion has been provided for ODA. This is an enormous achievement in the circumstances. For 2014, the Government has again managed to allocate almost €600 million to ODA, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to helping the poor of the world.

Comprehensive details of Ireland’s ODA spend across, inter alia, aid sectors, recipient countries and multilateral and civil society organisations, are published in statistical annexes to Irish Aid annual reports and are readily accessible for the years 2002-2012 on the Irish Aid web site at http://www.irishaid.gov.ie/news-publications/tags/annualreport/. The 2013 annual report is currently being compiled and is expected to be published before the summer break.

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