Michael Noonan
Ceist:145 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the cost of increasing overseas development aid to the UN target of 0.7% of GNP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11917/00]
Written Answers. - Overseas Development Aid.
Based on an estimate for gross national product for the year 2000 of £63.925 billion – an estimate received earlier this year from the Department of Finance – 0.7% of GNP would amount to £447.475 million. The current estimate for ODA in 2000 is £190 million, leaving a difference of over £250 million.
As mentioned to Deputies a number of times, a review is being carried out of the Irish development aid programme arising from which proposals for government consideration on a range of issues, including the UN target, are receiving attention.