Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 April 2023
158. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which Ireland's overseas aid continues to be involved in various projects such as assisting with the provision of water supplies in countries affected by drought and lack of infrastructure for drinking water; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20148/23]
View answer159. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to what extent overseas aid remains engaged with organisations involved in the provision of basic services such as water and/or food supplies at various locations that are particularly affected in Africa and other locations across the globe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20149/23]
View answer160. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the bilateral aid programme continues to identify with and assist countries and communities that continue to be affected by various shortages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20150/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 158 to 160, inclusive, together.
A Better World, the Government's international development policy, focuses our international development programme on meeting the needs of the furthest behind first, with an emphasis on those in the world’s poorest or most climate-exposed countries, especially women and girls.
The Government has provided over €1.2 billion for Official Development Assistance in 2023, the highest ever allocation. This enables Ireland to build on our longstanding focus on meeting the needs of people furthest behind, such as those affected by food and nutrition insecurity, instability and conflict. Among the priority areas this year are the Horn of Africa, Syria, Yemen and Afghanistan, while strengthening our assistance to the people of Ukraine and its neighbours. The provision of water, sanitation and hygiene is consistently a top priority need in crises and emergencies. As a result, the response supported by Irish Aid ensures a significant amount of Ireland’s funding prioritises such programming.
Ireland's ODA is delivered through a number of partners best placed to respond worldwide. This includes multilateral organisations such as the UN, funding to Irish civil society organisations, as well as bilateral ODA through Irish Embassies abroad, with a strong focus on Africa. Our funding is complemented by Ireland's political and diplomatic engagement. These complementary channels ensure that Ireland’s ODA is directed to where it is needed most, in the most appropriate and effective way.
Children, women, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and those from marginalised communities face specific challenges in accessing essential services, particularly in emergencies, conflict and protracted crises. Ireland’s development cooperation takes a rights-based and universal approach to social protection and providing access to education, aiming to deepen coverage and extend access to inclusive and targeted services.
