Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 July 2020
389. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the degree to which the overseas aid programme continues to target those for whom it is specifically intended; the locations most often covered by bilateral aid or multilateral aid programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19088/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraOfficial Development Assistance (ODA) is an integral element of Ireland’s foreign policy. A Better World, Ireland’s policy for international development, provides a vision for Ireland’s development cooperation, including the clear commitment of the Government to direct ODA to reaching the furthest behind first.
Successive Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Development Assistance Committee (DAC) peer reviews have commended Ireland’s development cooperation for its poverty focus and commitment to Least Developed Countries. The OECD DAC’s most recent review of Ireland's aid programme, published in May 2020, notes that Ireland 'walks the talk' in allocating ODA to least developed countries and fragile states, priority partners and sectors. The OECD finds that this clear focus enables Ireland to exercise leadership and make a visible difference. The Overseas Development Institute (ODI), a leading development think-tank, has also ranked Ireland as the most effective international donor in directing resources to those in extreme poverty.
In 2018 the top ten recipient countries of Ireland's bilateral aid included, Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Vietnam, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zimbabwe, receiving in total approx. €176 million. This illustrates Ireland's continued main focus on Africa and many of the poorest countries in the world.
Also in 2018 Ireland provided humanitarian assistance in excess of €185 million to support vulnerable communities in Africa and across the globe.
Ireland also works with Irish and International Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and is one of the leading OECD DAC donors in providing support to and through NGOs, with the OECD peer review finding that these relationships are characterised by mutual trust, quality funding, and an open culture for substantive and regular dialogue. In 2018 provided in excess of €106 million as core support to Non Governmental Organisations.
With our continued focus on reaching those who are left furthest behind, and through our development and humanitarian partnerships with multi-lateral and international organisations and NGOs, we will continue to make every effort to improve the lives of people in Africa and across the globe.
