Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I wish to join others in congratulating the Minister on his reappointment to the Department. It is a very important appointment that ensures continuity, maintains experience and allows Deputy Coveney to continue the good work he has heretofore been doing with Deputy McEntee, especially regarding Brexit and relationships in Europe. Much of what I wish to ask about has already been raised so I will not repeat it all. We will need to return to the issue of Hong Kong at some point.

I refer to Vote 27, which includes official development assistance, ODA. I note from the Estimates that since 2019 there has been a small increase in funding from the Department. This step in the right direction is to be welcomed. The increase in annual contribution to the green climate fund, which helps developing countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, is also very positive and was noted as such by Social Justice Ireland. However, even with that additional funding and funding from other Departments such as the Department of Finance and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, we are still a long way short of the target of 0.7% of gross national income, GNI.

During these times of global economic uncertainty it is hugely important for developing nations to have reliable assistance funding. We must take our place in the world and seek to protect vulnerable communities globally as well as at home. This applies especially to those most at risk from climate change. Our assistance to the nations that need our help is life-saving. It can eradicate poverty and hunger through agricultural programmes. It can assist democracy and protect the marginalised and vulnerable through education and gender equality programmes. Investment in infrastructure helps to provide for basic needs like clean water, sewage systems and reliable power supplies. Resources are also invested in healthcare and medicine, leading to improvements in life expectancy and quality of life. This is absolutely life-changing for millions of people throughout the world.

Our programme for Government reinforces our commitment to fulfilling our ODA ambitions. The OECD Development Assistance Committee and Social Justice Ireland have both recommended outlining a strategy for increasing our ODA budget to meet our international target. Can the Minister commit to setting out such a strategy? As part of that strategy, will he commit to the establishment of clear communication processes to inform Members of the Oireachtas and the public on the value and the benefit to Ireland of meeting its United Nations target of 0.7% of GNI? I am not just referring to what this assistance can provide on the ground, but also to its contribution to our global standing and its help in furthering our influence on global policies on equality, climate change and the implementation of the sustainable development goals. I also call on the Minister to ensure, as I know he will, that all Irish aid is spent in a manner that upholds the United Nations sustainable development goals. I thank the Minister.

See this speech in context