Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

My Department monitors closely, and on a regular basis, all funds in respect of overseas development aid.

With regard to whether I am happy or satisfied, I am neither. However, I am anxious to ensure that all our goals are realised at the earliest opportunity. We are heading towards the fifth budget of this Government and I am anxious that in the course of that budget we have an opportunity to increase our commitment in the form of overseas aid in order to help those who are unable to help themselves in the developing regions of the world, with particular reference to Africa, where our reputation is particularly strong. It would be my wish, as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, that we continue to increase the budget until such time as we reach an acceptable international target.

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