asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether the Government plan to publish a White Paper on official development assistance; and if he will outline, in particular, his views on the bilateral aid programme over the next number of years.
Written Answers. - Official Development Assistance.
35.
As the Deputy will be aware, I stated in reply to questions on 7 May and 16 June 1987 that the publication of a White Paper on official development assistance (ODA) was not considered a matter of priority. The situation has not altered in the interim, though I will keep the question under review.
As regards the second half of the question the Government are aware of and sympathetic to the needs of developing countries and their policy remains one of commitment to the maintenance and expansion of ODA as soon as economic circumstances permit. In the meantime, all commitments under the bilateral aid programme are being met and will continue to be met over the next number of years.