Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 January 2021
388. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which Ireland’s overseas aid continues to respond to the needs of the most serious situations globally whether by bilateral or multilateral provisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4183/21]
View answerIreland's commitment to those in greatest need is well recognised. In 2020, for example, the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) highlighted Ireland as "an excellent humanitarian partner", with its funding models "useful inspiration for other DAC donors", while respected international think-tank ODI found Ireland to be the most principled donor in its index, the second successive year in which Ireland scored highest.
Ireland's official development assistance (ODA) in 2021 will be €868 million, of which €571 million will be managed by my Department. This enables Ireland's longstanding focus on meeting the needs of people furthest behind, such as those affected by food insecurity and conflict, to be maintained, with a continued emphasis on helping people cope with the impact of Covid-19. Irish Aid's support for development and humanitarian activities helps reduces the severity of a crisis, and helps the poorest people to withstand future crises.
A Better World, Ireland's international development policy, re-emphasizes this approach throughout with an overarching principle to reach those that are furthest behind first, as well as a core priority of reducing humanitarian need.
These objectives are central to our work, and supported through ODA to multilateral organisations such as the UN, funding to Irish civil society organisations, and bilateral ODA spent through Irish Embassies abroad, complemented through Ireland's political and diplomatic engagement, including now as a member of the UN Security Council. This ensures that Ireland’s ODA is directed to where it is needed most, in the most appropriate and effective way.
