Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I agree with Deputy Smith that the landscape in Ulster has changed dramatically since the settlement. However, we need to continue to work on it, which is why my Department continues its very vigilant engagement on Northern Ireland and the North-South relationship. That is why we had people on the ground during the parades and other events that took place during the summer. It is a responsibility of my Department to which I give top priority. It is not possible to underestimate the maintenance work we need to do on it. While it is not always in the news, it requires ongoing work. There is a very big commitment from my Department to working with Northern Ireland institutions, the First Minister, the Deputy First Minister and so on. While I know a separate committee deals with Northern Ireland issues, it is probably a matter to which we should return.

The €514 million does not include the contribution of other Departments in the area of overseas aid. Regarding what Deputy Crowe said, I did not say at the UN that we would meet the 0.7% target by 2015; I said that we were committed to meeting the 0.7% target and that we would do so when we are able to do so economically and as our economic situation improves. I do not believe anybody expects us to meet the 0.7% target by 2015 in our present economic difficulties and therefore there is no merit in our making statements to that effect. The 0.7% is the target that has been agreed internationally. We are aiming at that target and remain committed to reaching it. As evidence of our good faith, it is important to point out that in difficult times we are maintaining our aid budget. There were significant reductions in the aid budget in previous years, with reductions of approximately 30% since 2008. The Government has maintained our commitment to aid.

Deputy Mitchell asked about the difference between the €514 million and the €524 million. It is based on a proportion of GNP and we do not know the GNP with ongoing quarterly revisions.