Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

I appreciate the Deputy's clarification. That Ireland's target date for the achievement of the 0.7% goal is under discussion has been mentioned at every meeting that has been held as part of the White Paper consultation process. The re-evaluation of the 0.7% target was not mentioned in the information booklet, but it will be mentioned in the next booklet, which will be produced in January 2006. A new strategy for the achievement of the 0.7% target, including a new timeframe, will be in place by then. I will be delighted to give Deputy Michael D, Higgins a copy of the next booklet when it has been completed. It is important to reflect on the Deputy's comments about the decline in the allocation of overseas aid to sub-Saharan Africa by other countries over the past ten or 20 years.

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