Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Minister of State for outlining his programme of work and priorities. He referred to a figure of 0.36% of GNP as being our target. For a number of years, we have had a commitment to reach 0.7% of GDP. We discussed this issue in the Dáil. While the commitment is to be on target by 2030, it is incumbent on all parties and Independents that, in advance of the budget, we examine how, subject to certain growth assumptions, what the appropriate position should be in three or five years' time, should the term of the Government last between three and five years. We need to set that out on a multi-annual basis.

The figure is linked to GNP and things work both ways. There can be substantial decreases in ODA in monetary terms, but matters can appear to be quite good in GNP terms. No one expected the crash. We will not go over all of that again, but it had an impact.

I am aware of the work Irish Aid is doing with regard to auditing and review, which is taken extremely seriously and done very well. I do not have any specific concerns in that area.

I want to return to an issue I raised with the Minister, Deputy Flanagan. I have specific concerns about the EU-Turkey arrangement. I understand that, through Irish Aid, our contribution towards the arrangement is €22.9 million. I agree with MSF that these moneys are supporting an ever more restrictive migration and asylum system in the EU. I would like to get confirmation that none of the moneys allocated are being used to strengthen border defences or for security within Turkey.

The Minister of State has an excellent opportunity - on his visit to New York - to address the migrant crisis and to reassert Ireland's foreign policy independence. I am not happy - others will make up their own minds - about how the EU is addressing the crisis in the Middle East, Syria and Iraq. Most reasonable people will not be comfortable with the deal the EU has struck with Turkey. We should say that and there should be no fear about an independent Irish State asserting independent Irish foreign policy. I would welcome a more detailed discussion with the Minister of State and a meeting of the committee before the migrant summit in New York because it is a fantastic opportunity to strike out and say what is really happening. Europe has not reacted well to the crisis. Citizens need help and assistance.

Deputy Grealish said many migrants do not want to come here. I understand that, but many do wish to do so and there can be a short-term solution. The response of the EU has, in many instances, been nothing short of disgraceful. To strike a deal with Turkey, given its human rights record, in particular its treatment of the Kurds on its southern borders, leaves a lot to be desired. We have to reassess the agreement. That is all I will say on the matter.

On ODA, all of us have to plan as to how we will increase funding over the next three years for the excellent work that is being done through the Department of the Minister of State and Irish Aid. Once the committee is up and running, we would welcome the opportunity - outside the Estimates process - to have a specific discussion on that matter. We would like to see some of the programmes and the work that is being done.

I refer to our commitment in respect of the rebuilding and reconstruction of Gaza after the Israeli bombardment there and the war that took place. I understand we committed €4.5 million towards the reconstruction. What is the current position? Have we met that commitment?