Eric Byrne (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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I welcome the Minister of State and his team. This is a fantastic example of what countries coming together, working in a cohesive and organised fashion can deliver in effective development aid to these countries. I am delighted the European Union is generous enough to contribute €30.5 billion in development aid, predominantly to Africa. It is interesting that it is co-terminous with our eight programme partners, which leaves us in a very strong position as a relatively small island nation to advise and tap into some of these projects for the betterment of the communities that we as a nation have targeted for development. It is a substantial contribution from the Irish taxpayers. We often hear glib criticism that the Government has not abided by our commitment to overseas aid of 0.7% of GDP. Given the severe austerity resulting from various factors, it might raise eyebrows that Irish people are now contributing €286 million in aid. Will the Minister explain the structures of the project, involving the 28 countries in the EU over a seven year period?

We are experts in the field of agriculture and some of our projects in the programme countries are agriculture based. When one observes peasant farmers in the fields of Tanzania and Sierra Leone, it becomes clear that capital projects could assist them in terms of production and the distribution of goods to market. While the figures on the funding available to Mozambique, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda and elsewhere are fantastic, they cover a seven year period. I assume some of the projects are major capital projects such as reservoir, irrigation and sewerage schemes and bridge building projects aimed at giving isolated parts of Africa access to markets. As an independent country with a great tradition of providing aid to those most in need, we are in an ideal position. We must influence Irish companies to ensure they engage in some of the major capital projects that will funded by the European Development Fund over the next seven years. Are we in a strong position to do this? How can we maximise our influence to attract funds, not only to our eight partner countries but also to Irish companies with expertise in the relevant fields in Africa?