Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The programme for ODA has a very substantial allocation and is one we all welcome. The percentage, at 0.48% of GDP, is welcome. We would all like to see the economic circumstances allow the figure to be increased to 0.7%.

The Minister of State said one of the key outputs to be achieved is deepening Irish public understanding of global development issues and engagement with Irish Aid. At a previous committee meeting I mentioned the negative publicity which arose as a result of the irregularities in Uganda. At the same time, it is important to get the message out about the success of the Irish programme and investment in those countries.

The Irish Aid director gave his presentation almost a year ago on what was achieved in Uganda in terms of primary school completion rates and the development of health facilities. At a time when the Irish taxpayer is putting substantial resources into this programme and the Irish public supports NGOs, Ministers and the Department should take the opportunity, when appropriate, to highlight the positives which have come from the investment over the years. Such a public awareness campaign would be very important.

One issue of which we can never create enough awareness is climate change. It is an ongoing issue which has huge consequences for the global community. We need to take every opportunity to try to improve awareness of the effects of climate change. I very much welcome the budget and compliment the Minister of State and his colleagues in Irish Aid on the valuable work that is being done, in particular those working in partner countries with very deprived communities.