Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 September 2011
88 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if it is envisaged that framework legislation will be introduced to underpin the commitment to the State’s programme of official development assistance and the United Nations target of investing 0.7% of national income in overseas aid by 2015. [25902/11]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is strongly committed to Ireland's overseas development programme, which is central to our foreign policy. The programme is clearly focused on the fight against extreme poverty and hunger, and concentrated in some of the poorest countries of sub-Saharan Africa. The Programme for Government underlines our commitment to the UN target of spending 0.7% of Gross National Product (GNP) on Official Development Assistance (ODA). Despite the difficult economic environment, and the pressure on aid budgets across the developed world, we remain committed to the 0.7% GNP target.
It has been suggested that legislating for ODA allocations and the 0.7% commitment would ensure that Ireland meets its international ODA commitments and protect annual ODA allocations. I expect that the issue will arise in the context of the consultations with the public and interested organisations under the review of the White Paper on Irish Aid, which is now under way.
Over the coming years, it is clear that decisions on the annual allocations for the aid programme will have to be taken within the overall budgetary framework and the fiscal constraints on the Government. As Minister with responsibility for trade and development, I will make the strongest possible case for funding for development cooperation. I will also ensure that Ireland's aid programme continues to focus rigorously on the achievement of results and provides strong international leadership in making aid more effective, for the ultimate benefit of the world's poorest people.
