Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

The programme for Government contains a commitment to the expansion of the overseas aid programme. We have set a target of spending 0.7% of gross national product, GNP, on official development assistance, ODA, by 2012. It is estimated that Ireland's spending on ODA for 2008 will reach 0.54% of GNP.

In 2009, the total allocation for ODA amounts to €891 million. The largest element of this funding — €754 million — falls under Vote 29, international co-operation, which is managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs through Irish Aid. A further estimated €137 million will be spent by other Departments and through Ireland's contribution to the EU development co-operation budget. It is estimated that the allocation of €891 million in 2009 will represent 0.56% of GNP and is a clear indication of our commitment to meet the UN target of spending 0.7% of GNP on official development assistance by 2012.

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