Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 October 2014
137. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will reaffirm Ireland's commitment to reaching the targeted 0.7% of GNP for oversees development aid by 2014; the measures his Department is taking to ensure this is achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37303/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra138. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way he will reach the target of 0.7% GNP to be given in overseas aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37304/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra140. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide detailed consideration to the issues raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37348/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra145. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding overseas aid (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37354/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 137, 138, 140 and 145 together.
The Government is strongly committed to Ireland’s overseas aid programme, which is at the heart of our foreign policy. Our policy on International Development, “One World, One Future”, clearly states our commitment to the UN target of providing 0.7% of Gross National Product (GNP) for Official Development Assistance (ODA), and to making further progress towards it when economic circumstances permit.
Despite the extremely difficult economic circumstances, we have successfully managed to stabilise the budget for development assistance over the past three years. Since 2011 we have allocated in total over €2.5 billion for ODA, providing €657 million in 2011, €629 million in 2012, and€637 million in 2013. For 2014 we will spend some €600 million on ODA. These are substantial allocations of public funds and represent a genuine investment on behalf of the Irish people in assisting those less fortunate than ourselves. They are also clear evidence of the Government’s strong commitment to the aid programme.
The estimates process for Budget 2015 is now in its finals stages. As with allocations to all Government Departments, Budget 2015 allocations for ODA will be framed in the context of our policy commitments and the overall budgetary circumstances we face. The final 2015 Budget allocation, which is ultimately a decision for Government, will be announced by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform on 14 October next. As I have repeatedly stated publicly, and in response to earlier Questions, I and the Minster for Foreign Affairs and Trade have made, and will continue to make, the strongest case possible for the allocation to the development assistance programme.
