Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

When I took up office, people were criticising the Government and stating that it had not maintained the three-year multi-annual package. Not only did I restore that package prior to making a commitment to reach the 0.7% target by 2012, but I have now secured a seven-year multi-annual package. I know that this Government and that which succeeds it will honour this commitment.

The Government is fulfilling its pledge to reach the 0.7% target by 2012. I predict that by 2008 spending on ODA by Irish Aid will probably exceed the €1 billion mark. Again, that will be a truly historic development because it will represent a huge increase in funding. That increase will also ensure that Ireland continues to be one of the most generous EU or OECD donors in terms of its contribution as a percentage of GNP. In 2007, our ODA will stand at 0.5%. Deputy Allen and others who listened carefully to what I said when I took office will be aware that I said that we needed to achieve 0.5% by 2007 if we are to have a realistic opportunity of reaching the 0.7% target. As I predicted, we will achieve the figure of 0.5% next year. That is hugely important because it will make it much easier to reach the 0.7% target.

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