Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 March 2021
124. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which bilateral and multilateral overseas development aid continues be targeted at those locations most in need globally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12467/21]
View answerIreland's official development assistance (ODA) in 2021 will be €868 million, of which €571 million will be managed by my Department. This will allow Ireland to maintain its longstanding focus on meeting the needs of people furthest behind, such as those affected by food insecurity and conflict. It also allows for a continued emphasis on helping people cope with the impact of Covid-19 and a deepening of the Irish Aid response to climate change, targeted at those most in need.
Ensuring that our resources reach those in greatest need is central to our work and our ability to do so is well-recognised. In 2020, for example, the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) highlighted Ireland as "an excellent humanitarian partner", with its funding models a "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 ODA is delivered through multilateral organisations such as the UN, funding to Irish civil society organisations, as well as bilateral ODA spent through Irish Embassies abroad. Our funding is complemented by Ireland's political and diplomatic engagement, including now as a member of the UN Security Council. These complementary channels ensure that Ireland’s ODA is directed to where it is needed most, in the most appropriate and effective way.
