Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 October 2022
52. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the increase in overseas development aid spend in Budget 2023 is consistent with Ireland's committed target of reaching 0.7% of gross national index; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48909/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra53. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the budget increase in funding for Ireland's development programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49076/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 52 and 53 together.
In Budget 2023, the Government allocated a total of €1.22 billion for Official Development Assistance (ODA). This is the highest ever allocation, representing an increase of 17% on 2022. It includes an increase of €100 million for the international development programme administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs.
This allocation for ODA, following a significant increase for 2022, reflects the Government's commitment to the international target of allocating 0.7 percent of Gross National Income (GNI). In the context of serious budgetary pressures, these increased allocations are an important statement by the Government of Ireland's solidarity with least developed countries. They will enable us to maintain Ireland's strong focus on the impact of hunger, conflict, disease and climate change on the most vulnerable communities globally.
I visited Kenya and South Sudan last month and saw for myself the impact of climate change and conflict in the ongoing food security and malnutrition crisis across the Horn of Africa. I called on the international community to respond more effectively, through increased assistance and better integration of humanitarian, development and climate actions. I am therefore very pleased that, in the Budget, the Government also decided to allocate an additional €30 million in humanitarian assistance this year for the crisis in the Horn of Africa.
