Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 January 2022
234. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number and location of projects currently assisted by Ireland’s programme at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4184/22]
View answerIn line with our Policy for International Development: A Better World, and international best practice, Ireland delivers its Official Development Assistance (ODA) programme through a range of different channels. These channels include funding through Multilateral Organisations, Non-Government Organisations and government systems in partner countries amongst others. Approximately 60 percent of Ireland’s total ODA is administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs with the balance administered though other Departments.
My Department works closely with selected partners to ensure lasting improvements in the lives of communities living in poverty and supporting the delivery of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Each year Ireland bilaterally supports partners to undertake approximately 900 project-type interventions across more than 80 countries. Funding to our partners range from core contributions through to specific-purpose programmes that address humanitarian and development needs. This international work is supplemented by our development education engagement that takes place here in Ireland. Annually, approximately fifty Development Education projects are supported. These range in size and scale and target primary, secondary and third level students and well as the general public.
My Department publishes a report on Ireland's ODA programme, known as Irish Aid, each year. The report includes statistical information on programme expenditure in a series of annexes which clearly show the distribution of aid, the amounts allocated to our priority focus areas and amounts given through the various channels and countries. The annual report serves as a core accountability and transparency tool, providing a comprehensive overview of expenditure under the aid programme, and demonstrating the results that have been achieved. Annual Reports for 2020 and previous years are available on the Irish Aid website. The report on 2021 will be available later this year.
