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Overseas Development Aid

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 July 2020

Tuesday, 28 July 2020

Ceisteanna (40)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

40. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which overseas development aid continues to target those for whom it was intended; the degree to which bilateral or multilateral aid can compare favourably in terms of positive impact; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18535/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Official 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 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, 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 ODI, a leading development think-tank, has also ranked Ireland as the most effective international donor in directing resources to those in extreme poverty. 

Ireland works with a variety of partners in order to reach those in greatest need around the world. Our multilateral partnerships, including our work through the EU and United Nations give Ireland a significant global presence and footprint, including in fragile states and conflict-affected contexts. This enables Ireland to direct vital assistance to people living in challenging and insecure environments. 

Our bilateral partnerships, which includes partnerships with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), focus on our thematic and geographic priorities, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.  Ireland is one of the leading OECD DAC donors in providing support to and through CSOs, 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. 

Both bilateral and multilateral aid modalities play an important and complementary role in ensuring that Ireland’s ODA is directed to where it is needed most and has the maximum impact.

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