Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has assigned the task of monitoring implementation of the millennium development goals, MDGs, to the United Nations Development Programme. This programme compiles information against each of the MDG targets in collaboration with national governments, regional groupings and experts, other UN partners, the World Bank, the IMF and the OECD. The objective is to come up with a country and regional picture of progress on each of the goals. The UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs then draws on this material to issue regular reports on progress towards the goals.

The latest MDG progress report, issued in July, gave us a snapshot of the progress achieved at the midpoint of the 2015 MDG target date, broken down by goal and region. Overall, there has been good progress on some targets, with more intensive effort required on others.

On the positive side, the indications are that if current trends continue, we are on target to reach the MDG on poverty reduction for the world as a whole. Progress has also been made globally in reducing child mortality and increasing school enrolment rates. However, there is significant geographical disparity, with sub-Saharan Africa at particular risk of falling behind. It was for this reason the UN Secretary General convened an MDG Africa steering group in September of this year. His initiative has brought together high level representatives of the African Union, European Union, African Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank, IMF and World Bank, who will meet regularly to examine how to strengthen Africa's efforts to meet the goals.

A further initiative aimed at measuring progress towards the MDGs has been taken by British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, who has proposed that a Heads of State and Government meeting take place at the UN in September 2008 to revitalise the pledges made in 2000 and provide the impetus for more intensive efforts in the period up to 2015. The British Prime Minister wrote to the Taoiseach about his proposal and the Taoiseach has replied indicating Ireland's strong support. The Taoiseach has also indicated he would be willing to attend a preparatory meeting in Britain in spring 2008, as well as the New York event.

Ireland is participating fully in efforts to achieve the MDGs. As set out in the White Paper on Irish Aid, the millennium development goals are the overarching framework for our overseas aid programme. By delivering on the commitment to reach the 0.7% UN target for development funding by 2012, Ireland is also seen as being at the forefront of their implementation internationally.

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