Tom Kitt (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

The statistics show that if social transfers and pensions are not considered, Ireland is doing better than other countries.

While our social protection expenditure as a proportion of gross domestic product was lower than in the EU 15 member states, it is worth noting that it increased from 14.3% in 2000 to 16% in 2002. In addition, Ireland has the second lowest proportion of persons aged 65 and over in the population, which has an effect on social protection expenditure. That Ireland has a young population and does not at present have as many older people as other nations suggests an imbalance in the comparative figures. I make this point as a statistical fact with regard to social deprivation. However, I agree with the Deputy that it is our duty to try to deal with these issues.

The environmental issue of greenhouse gases has been referred to as an area needing improvement. Our greenhouse gas emissions were at 131% of 1990 levels in 2001. This was 16% higher than the Kyoto 2008-12 target for Ireland of 113% of 1990 levels. The situation improved in the period 2002-03 with emissions decreasing to a level of 124.7% of 1990 levels or 10.4% above the Kyoto target in 2003. It is clear that there is a need for improvement in this regard.

The issue of overseas development aid is close to my heart as I was Minister of State with responsibility for this area on two occasions. As the House will appreciate, the allocation for 2005 provided an increase of €70 million in Government spending, bringing total spending to €554 million. In addition, a positive development is that the Government has agreed to provide further increases of €65 million in each of the years 2006 and 2007. These substantial increases mean that over the three years 2005 to 2007, €1.8 billion will be spent by Ireland on development assistance.

Having spent a considerable period of my political life in the Department of Foreign Affairs, I agree with the general consensus in the House that we should strive to get to the 0.7% target as soon as possible. A very good process is being carried out by my successor, the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Conor Lenihan. He has conducted a consultative process——

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