Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 June 2004
109 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the Government’s decision to reach overseas aid spending levels of 0.7% of GNP by 2007; and the way in which he intends to complete its implementation. [18709/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has as an objective the attainment of the UN target for aid expenditure by 2007. Despite the many pressures on the public finances at present, an allocation of €400 million has been made in the 2004 Estimates to the Vote for international co-operation which is administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs. In addition, elements of ODA which are administered by other Departments are expected to total some €80 million this year. Total spending on ODA, therefore, is expected to approach €480 million in 2004, the highest ever in the history of the programme. This level of expenditure demonstrates the strong commitment of the Government to the attainment of the UN target.
In 2001 and 2002 our aid expenditure amounted to 0.33% and 0.41% of GNP, respectively. Provisional figures indicate that we maintained the percentage at 0.41% in 2003. This year it is likely to reach the same level or possibly exceed it. In percentage terms, Ireland is one of the world's leading donors — we are currently in joint seventh place — and well ahead of the EU average. The Government hopes that increased allocations, the scale and timing of which will be considered on an ongoing basis, will be possible over the coming years with a view to the achievement of our objective.
