Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent)
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I asked about the budget. I was not inquiring about the programme for Government commitment, but about our obligation under the SDGs, which is estimated at €475 million since 2020. I am concerned that the Department of Foreign Affairs is now being talked about as the lead Department. The consensus is that this funding is not overseas development aid but a separate commitment under the SDGs to €100 million per annum. We are going to be embarrassed when we do not meet this target. It will be difficult to speak to countries that are struggling to meet their SDGs when a wealthy country does not meet the targets that are within our reach and could be met through this year's budget.

Ms Gilmartin mentioned the budgetary process, but I would also like to hear from someone working in one of the policy areas about how the Department is factoring in SDGs and using policy tools, including preventative ones. Ms Gilmartin outlined the general picture, but I want to know how specific policy units within the Department are reflecting the SDGs in the budgetary submissions the Department will presumably be sending to the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform.