Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 May 2013
75. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an outline of his new Irish aid policy, One World One Future; when he expects this policy to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20690/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe recently agreed Policy for International Development, One World, One Future, sets out the principles, goals and priority areas for action which will guide the Government’s efforts in the coming years. The Policy is based on the Review of the White Paper on Irish Aid last year, one of the commitments contained in the Programme for Government. In this Review, we assessed the changed context, globally and here at home, and examined carefully the evidence and experience of recent years as well as the contributions made during the public consultation period. One World, One Future will be launched tomorrow, Thursday, 2 May by the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Eamon Gilmore TD and me. The policy will be available publicly on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Irish Aid websites. It will reaffirm Ireland’s commitment to international development and build on the solid foundation of our overseas aid programme, which has been recognised internationally for its focus on poverty and hunger, especially in sub-Saharan Africa.
The new Policy will also set out clearly the Government’s intention to situate aid within the evolving international development context and to build more rounded and mature partnerships with developing countries. We will do this while maintaining the focus on the poorest, the hungry and malnourished as well as those affected by conflict, insecurity and humanitarian emergencies. We will be seeking greater prioritisation in the use of our resources, coherence across Government Departments, and full value for money, transparency and accountability in the implementation of the new Policy. Above all, we will be making a strong commitment to use our voice, our influence, and our capacity in pursuing a vision of a sustainable and just world.
