Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 December 2019
107. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which aid continues to be provided globally whether in a bilateral or multilateral arrangement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53810/19]
View answerIreland’s development cooperation programme is an integral part of our foreign policy and an important statement of our global citizenship. The programme gives Ireland a significant global presence and footprint – including in fragile states and conflict-affected contexts.
The 2018 Annual Report on Ireland's Official Development Assistance (ODA), published in October, details the range of modalities and channels involved in the delivery of Ireland's development cooperation programme. In 2018, €449.43 million was allocated through bilateral channels, including over €169 million channelled through NGOs. A further €342.2 million was disbursed through the EU and the wider multilateral system, where core missions and objectives closely aligned with Ireland’s policy priorities. Over 130 countries received assistance from Ireland in 2018, either bilaterally or through at least one of Ireland's multilateral or other partnerships.
Our bilateral partnerships and our work through the EU, United Nations and other multilateral organisations, have enabled Ireland to direct vital assistance to people living in challenging and insecure environments. The Overseas Development Institute, an internationally recognised policy think-tank, has ranked Ireland as the world's leading donor in targeting extreme poverty.
For 2020, the Government has allocated almost €838 million for ODA. This represents an increase of almost €21 million on the 2019 budget allocation.
