Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour) | Oireachtas source

We are determined to reach the commitment. The State's objective is to reach the 0.7% target and we are not demurring from that. We remain committed to it. As everybody knows, the question of when we reach that target is dependent on our economic recovery. We have maintained the figure above 0.5%, which is still in the top end of the league table of commitment internationally. There is great appreciation of the fact that we have maintained it at that level. The figure of 0.7% is the target towards which we will work but reaching it is, as everybody knows, dependent on our economic recovery and the improvement in our financial circumstances.

In respect of the issue raised by Deputy Eric Byrne, emergencies vary from year to year. We have a fund from which we draw money to deal with emergencies. Deputy O'Sullivan raised the issue of consultants in the aid area. They deal mainly with the evaluations as our programmes must be evaluated. Much of that is for evaluation and auditing of the programmes. Deputy Eric Byrne raised the issue of the recognition of volunteers who work in developing countries. This year for the first time, the President will give awards to members of the Irish diaspora in recognition of their work. People who have worked and are working in development are included in that honours list and will be recognised as part of the presidential awards.