Peter Power (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

The budget allocation for Vote 29, overseas aid and international development, amounts to €753,942,000. This represents a hugely important statement by the Government at a time of economic difficulty at home and abroad. Administration of the budget amounts to €35,642,000, which represents 4.6% of the budget and, by international standards, would be considered positive. Bilateral and other co-operation grant-in-aid amounts to €516,150,000, emergency humanitarian assistance amounts to €87 million and payments to international funds amount to €31 million. Contributions to the United Nations and other development agencies amount to €84,350,000. This effort means Ireland will remain at the forefront of the fight against global poverty and hunger.

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