Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 December 2004
173 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government will set a new date for reaching 0.7% of GNP with a multi-annual spending plan to achieve it, and enshrine this in legislation to restore public and international confidence in Ireland’s commitment. [32107/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Book of Estimates provides for an increase of €60 million in Government spending on official development assistance in 2005. This will bring total Government aid to the developing world next year to approximately €535 million. In addition, the Government has agreed to make further increases of €65 million in each of the years 2006 and 2007. These substantial increases will help to move us closer to the UN target of 0.7% of GNP.
I welcome in particular also the return to a multi-annual commitment as it ensures predictability for my Department and for our NGO partners. The combination of a three-year multi-annual commitment, incorporating very substantial annual increases, gives us a sound basis to carry forward the long-term planning which is so important for development work. In the light of these increases, and also in the context of the promised White Paper on ODA, the Government will keep under active and ongoing review the progress being achieved to reach the target of 0.7% of GNP. We do not consider, however, that giving a legislative base for the target is a desirable way forward.
