Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

I am in a rather privileged position because, in the two years I have held this portfolio, I have achieved something unique in the history of the State, namely, a seven-year multi-annual agreement in respect of the funding of Irish Aid. That agreement stretches to 2012 and is being backed by the Minister for Finance, Deputy Cowen, and his Department, and not merely with hard cash increases. For perhaps the first time in the area of overseas aid, the Department is tracking percentage increases year on year. In effect, I do not have a serious negotiation process in which to engage in respect of the Estimates. I spoke to the Minister moments ago and he asked me what will be the percentage, and I indicated what we are going to deliver this year.

The total allocation for Irish Aid this year under Vote 29 — International Co-operation — will be €728 million. This is a significant increase of €128.2 million, or 21%, on the 2006 Vote. A further €85 million will be allocated through other Departments, making a total allocation in 2007 in respect of overseas development assistance, ODA, of €813 million. This is a unique challenge and represents the greatest ever expansion in our aid programme efforts. It is a genuinely historic development. Deputy Allen referred to the need to legislate in respect of this commitment on the part of the Government. In the history of the State, there has never been a commitment as definite or for as long a duration as the seven-year multi-annual package to which I refer.

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