Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 January 2017
346. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has engaged with the Minister for Finance regarding Ireland's development aid budget commitment of reaching 0.7% GNI; and the timeframe for doing so. [3088/17]
View answerThe Government is strongly committed to Ireland’s overseas aid programme, and to its place at the heart of our foreign policy. Our policy for international development, “One World, One Future”, clearly articulates our commitment to the UN target of providing 0.7% of Gross National Product (GNP) in Official Development Assistance (ODA) as economic conditions allow.
In the Programme for Government we have set out our ambition to make progress towards the UN target as resources permit. It is important this progress is made in a sustainable and manageable way, which continues to strengthen Ireland's recognised role as a reliable and effective partner in providing development assistance.
Since 2011 we have made annual contributions in excess of €600 million and have cumulatively allocated over of €4.5 billion in the period 2011 to 2017. This represents a remarkable commitment of public funds towards development and humanitarian assistance for some of the most vulnerable people in the world.
I am pleased that we have been in a position to begin to increase funding for ODA, allocation an additional €40 million for 2016 and a further €10 million for 2017. The total 2017 allocation for ODA will be €651 million.
Based on current Department of Finance forecasts for GNP we anticipate the ODA/GNP percentage outturn for 2016 to be in region of 0.3% with a similar level projected for 2017. The reduction in the percentage has been affected by the step change in the measurement of Ireland’s GNP.
I can reaffirm our commitment to making incremental, sustainable progress towards achieving the 0.7% UN target by 2030, over the period of the Sustainable Development Goals. While budget allocations are ultimately a matter for Government, I want to assure the Deputy that I, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, will continue to make the strongest possible case for increasing annual allocations to ODA over the lifetime of this Government.
