Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)

I thank Deputy Ó Fearghaíl and I acknowledge the Leas-Cheann Comhairle's contribution and that of my predecessor as Minister of State.

I agree with the Deputy regarding NGOs, and particularly Trócaire. I have already met them and Dóchas, which represents the various NGOs. They have done excellent work and continue to do so. Approximately 20% of the Irish Aid budget goes through NGOs to their work in various countries.

With regard to reaching the 0.7% target for overseas aid, the amount that has been set aside this year is the amount it is intended to spend this year. We do not know what national wealth will be in the years ahead. While we are constantly striving towards the 0.7% target, we will not know the actual amounts until we see the outcome in respect of growth. In 2010, Ireland contributed €675 million to official aid, most of it coming through Irish Aid.

I have begun the process of reviewing the 2006 White Paper. We intend to consult widely, particularly among NGOs but also among the people of Ireland. The process will take a number of months because we want genuinely to consult with the people. We expect to have completed the review process within about a year. I believe it will take that time for all of the consultations.

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