Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Overseas development aid had been increasing quite rapidly before the crisis and the difficulties we experienced in 2008, at which stage there was a sharp decline, as the Deputy is aware, of almost one third in 2008 and 2009. What we have done during our three years in government has stabilised overseas development aid. There has been a slight percentage decrease each year in line with economic circumstances. Nevertheless, we have maintained it at a high level and are still well above the average in moving towards the 0.7% target. Certainly, we are keen, as we have stated in our policy document, to move towards improving the position. I emphasise that we have managed to maintain all projects and funding for non-governmental organisations and there has not been any serious undermining of any of the country programmes in place.

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