Vol. 466 No. 5
43 Mr. E. Walsh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will increase Ireland's support for Mozambique in order to assist it in its reconstruction efforts following successful democratic elections in 1994; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11813/96]
The Irish Aid Programme in Mozambique in recent years has been an interim one, with funds being channelled through NGOs and selected local institutions.
The Irish Aid Strategy Plan, published in July 1993, signalled that Mozambique would be the next priority country for Irish aid. This was confirmed in the recent White Paper on Foreign Policy.
This will lead to the development of a structured country programme for Irish aid in Mozambique, beginning in 1996 and continuing and expanding in subsequent years.
Arrangements are at present being made to establish a resident Irish mission in the capital, Maputo, to develop and administer the Irish aid programme in Mozambique. It is expected that this mission will be in place before the end of 1996.
A budget of £1 million has been allocated for Mozambique in 1996, and this can be expected to expand over the next few years as the Irish Aid Programme in Mozambique develops.
