Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am open to working with the Minister of State on this issue and in the context of the forthcoming budget and the new budgetary process to be put in place in the Dáil, it is incumbent on all parties and Independents to work towards and to make commitments on improving Ireland's standing in this regard. The Minister of State is correct that our international standing is good but we are well short of the target Members from all sides have set for Ireland and have agreed to achieve. I note the dreaded phrase that is used, the fiscal space for budget 2017, could be in the region of €900 million and Members must work together to ascertain what elements of that can be used appropriately towards ODA and to increasing Ireland's level of contribution. Finally, it might be useful for Members on this side of the House were the Minister of State to arrange a briefing for them with Irish Aid in order that Members can work together in a co-operative and collegiate way to achieve the nation's goals in this regard.

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