Vol. 571 No. 2
147 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if it remains the Government's commitment to meet the target for overseas development aid of 0.7% of GNP by 2007; the proportion of that target that will be met in 2003 and in each successive year up to 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21087/03]
The Government's national programme of assistance to developing countries comprises two elements. The major component is my Department's Vote for international co-operation, €374 million in 2003, while elements of official development assistance, ODA, expected to total some €80 million in 2003, are administered by other Departments. Total spending on ODA, therefore, is expected to reach some €450 million in 2003, the highest ever in the history of the programme. Current indications are that this will equate to 0.41% of GNP.
The level of funding required to reach the 0.7% objective will depend on patterns of economic growth and levels of GNP. As regards the projected level of expenditure for 2004, this will be decided later this year in the context of the annual Estimates negotiations.
