Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 10 Feb 1993

Vol. 425 No. 7

Written Answers. - APSO Volunteers.

John Connor

Ceist:

39 Mr. Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the strategy which is in place or will be put in place in relation to the commitment in the Programme for a Partnership Government 1993-1997 to expand the number of Irish people working in developing countries from 400 volunteers at present to a possible 2,000 people working in development overseas by 1997; if special skills will be identified to address particular problems in the various host countries; and the role, if any, that will be given to the host Governments in the deployment of our volunteers.

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

The Programme for a Partnership Government establishes as a priority the need to expand the scope of activities of the Agency for Personal Service Overseas to increase the number of Irish people working in developing countries to a target of 2,000 by 1997. I have had discussions with APSO on this subject and have requested them to produce as a matter of urgency the study called for in the programme on how we can contribute personnel and expertise. Work on the study is in hands.

In recent years, the provision of volunteers by APSO has been constrained by financial restrictions. There will be a substantial increase in the budget for 1993 and the number of overseas placements this year will be correspondingly increased.

The placement of all APSO volunteers is based on the needs of the host country and its authorities. Placements are made either at the request of the host Government or with their agreement.

The target set in the Programme for a Partnership Government is an ambitious one but, given the commitment of the Irish people to development work, the dedication of the staff of the Agency for Personal Service Overseas and the great need which exists in developing countries for skilled personnel, I am confident that the target can be met.