Vol. 466 No. 5
44 Mr. E. Walsh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will increase support for Tanzania in order to assist with its development following the multi-party elections in 1995; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11814/96]
Tanzania is a priority country under the official Irish aid programme of development assistance. The programme has grown significantly in recent years. From a total of £2.56 million in 1993 it has virtually doubled to an allocation of £5 million this year. I am pleased to confirm that further increases are planned for the coming years.
A major review and planning exercise for the Irish aid programme in Tanzania is currently under way. The priority sectors identified by the Government of Tanzania for ongoing Irish aid support — most of which are covered by the existing programme — are rural development (through district support programmes), health, primary education, agriculture, natural resources, tourism and local government training.
In addition to the mainstream funding provided under the official Country Programme for Tanzania, funding is also provided to Irish and Tanzanian non-governmental organisations working in Tanzania (worth £259,512 in 1995); for fellowships to allow Tanzanian students to study in Ireland (34 in 1995); and for humanitarian assistance to Rwandan and Burundian refugees based in Tanzania (£530,000 in 1995).
