Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

Europe has taken the lead. In addition, within the European Council of Development Ministers and the Council of Foreign Ministers, Ireland has taken a major lead in this regard. Along with many other small donor countries, Ireland prompted the move to have a clear European target. The 2010 date referred to by Deputy Allen is, in fact, the interim target date. The 15 old EU member states — as distinct from the ten new ones which have a different target figure and timeframe — are required to reach an interim target of 0.51% of GNI by 2010, leading to full achievement.

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