asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on Ireland's participation in aid to Sudan.
Written Answers. - Aid to Sudan.
17.
The Sudan is one of the four priority countries for Ireland's bilateral aid programme. Expenditure on Irish aid projects in the Sudan amounted to £878,338 in 1985. In addition, £181,102 was allocated for emergency assistance to the victims of drought and famine in the Sudan, a grant of £1,500 was made under the scheme of co-financing with non-governmental organisations and funding was provided for eight Sudanese to attend training courses in Ireland. Six Irish experts are working with Irish aid projects in the Sudan and 17 teachers are sponsored by the Agency for Personal Service Overseas to work in Sudanese post-primary schools and teacher training colleges.
Over 60 Irish volunteers are working with CONCERN and GOAL on relief and development projects in the Sudan.
A technical co-operation agreement was signed with the Sudan in March 1985. The Irish aid programme in the Sudan has been expanding rapidly and it is hoped to bring it up to the level of the other three priority countries within two to three years.
For further information on Irish aid to the Sudan, I would refer the Deputy to the annual reports on Assistance to Developing Countries published by my Department.