Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As we have done in the past, this committee encourages the Minister of State to do his absolute best to ensure that provision is maintained. We have a larger role to play in this regard. As a small country, our contribution, while significant to us, is less substantial in the overall global scenario. It is important, however, that we leverage that contribution to encourage other countries to follow our example. There is an obligation on all contributing countries to continue moving towards the UN target of 0.7% of GDP as quickly as possible. We have found in the past that certain countries have allowed their provision to slip back. In fact, the largest portion of overseas aid provision is concentrated among countries in the European Union. We should be looking to Asia and the United States, for example, to do a little more. Likewise, certain countries in the Middle East might be in a position to make a greater contribution. That must be part of our efforts to maximise resources to tackle the problems faced by developing nations.

We have spoken about efforts to ensure a greater focus on mutual trade. That is a move in the right direction because it is about building sustainable economies rather than just addressing emergencies. As the Minister of State said, this is vital for the future sustainability of recipient countries. He also referred to measures to develop the private sector in those countries. What strategies have been devised to achieve that particular goal? On the other side of the coin, developing opportunities for trade provides benefits for Ireland, which is an important element in garnering public support for what we are trying to achieve. This emphasis on mutual benefit should be part of our focus. Have any periodic evaluations been undertaken in this regard and are there specific targets for achievement? Our embassies abroad play a very constructive role in that regard and have embraced the commercial culture which was inducted ten or 15 years ago. I am sure Mr. Cotter will have comments to make in that regard.

I congratulate the Minister of State on his recent signing of the Arms Trade Treaty, ATT, in New York. We should not underestimate the contribution this agreement can potentially make to reducing conflict in certain areas, conflict which can in itself be a huge contributor to deprivation, hunger and death. Ireland should do its utmost to ensure the treaty is implemented to its maximum potential.

Members of the committee have travelled to Lebanon and more recently to Palestine and the Middle East where we observed the conditions in which Palestinians have been living, for decades in some cases. The trip included a visit to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, UNRWA, camp at Za'atari, which was set up last July and is now home to 120,000 refugees living in portakabins and tents and with access to basic infrastructure. It is important that we leverage our influence on the political stage to seek a resolution of some of these long-standing conflicts. People living in these areas are enduring great suffering. We must do our best to ensure they can begin to look forward to a better future for themselves and their families.

In regard to the analysis of bilateral ODA by sector, I am reminded that we in this country would trace much of our more recent economic success back to the decision by Donogh O'Malley to introduce free secondary education in the 1960s. The concentration of resources since then on education, both secondary and tertiary, has been a significant driver of our economic growth. In that context, I notice that only some 9% of the EU's allocation for development aid goes towards education. A greater proportional focus on this area might be helpful in achieving the sustainability we seek. This seems particularly relevant in the context of our visit to Jordan. I understand too that only 2% of moneys go towards water and sanitation.

When one goes to such countries, one realises there are major challenges with regard to water supply. This affects the communities and will certainly affect development. The King of Jordan is on record as saying the next war in the Middle East will be about water, not oil. What can we do to boost our emphasis on the programme?