Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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178. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his priorities for the remainder of this Government's term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15269/15]

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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Perhaps the Minister would list his priorities for the remainder of this Government's term in office.

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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The mission of my Department is to serve the Irish people, to promote their values and advance their prosperity abroad and to provide the Government with the capabilities, analysis and influence to ensure that Ireland derives the maximum benefit from all areas of its external engagement. My Department’s statement of strategy 2015-17, laid before this House on 14 April, outlines how we intend to achieve our high level goals in the coming years. These goals are rooted in the priority areas set out in the Government’s recent policy review, The Global Island: Ireland’s Foreign Policy for a Changing World. Our five goals are: to serve our people at home and abroad and to promote reconciliation and co-operation; to work for a fairer, more just, secure and sustainable world; to advance Ireland’s prosperity by promoting our economic interests internationally; to protect and advance Ireland’s values and interests in Europe; and to strengthen our influence and capacity to deliver our goals.

I know that the Deputy has a particular interest in the prosperity goal. I am sure he will agree that the vital work of restoring our international reputation, promoting our economic recovery and the creation of jobs must be at the heart of the work of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, with our embassy network playing a particularly crucial role. These goals are intertwined and support one another. I look forward to leading my Department in continuing to deliver on them for the Irish people.

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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I thank the Minister for his response. On the overseas aid budget of 0.7% of GDP, as committed to by Government in the programme for Government, when is that target expected to be achieved and what strategy has been put in place by Government to ensure it is achieved? In regard to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's One-China policy, is it proposed to review that policy in regard to Taiwan, considering it is one of the wealthiest countries in the world and on the basis that Ireland already has a great relationship with Taiwan via an Oireachtas friendship group? Also, in regard to the Syrian civil war, how many refugees arising out of that crisis will be taken into Ireland?

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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We do not intend to make any changes to the One-China policy. I can assure the Deputy that my Department will continue to work closely with my colleague, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and the State agencies to lead the Export Trade Council to maximise the economic benefits of our relationship with China and other states in the region.

On the matter of overseas aid, in the context of a most challenging and difficult economic time, with the country on the verge of bankruptcy in 2010-2011, over the past three years we have continued to maintain the overseas aid budget in such a way as to ensure maximum influence abroad, with particular reference to the developing world. As the Deputy will be aware, we are a neutral country. We are not involved in any military alliance or military organisation. With that in mind, we place particular emphasis on the need to provide humanitarian aid. Overseas development aid is top of our priorities. Indeed, our international reputation demonstrates the level of influence that we have in that area.

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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I thank the Minister for his response.

In working towards achieving that goal of 0.7% of GDP, in light of the upswing in the economy, will the Minister make it his business to ensure that more funding is allocated to the overseas budget? In addition, is he happy and satisfied that every red cent of taxpayers' money is being spent in the most appropriate manner and that there are full checks and balances in place to ensure that the funding is being received by those on the ground who need humanitarian help?

Regarding Syria, has the Minister any comment to make on whether Ireland could take more refugees into the country to help them get on with their lives? There has been considerable persecution out there of Palestinian refugees. The Christian community has been terrorised as well.

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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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.