In September 2000, the Government decided Ireland would meet the UN target for ODA expenditure of 0.7% of GNP by end of 2007. This was a firm and unequivocal commitment given by the Taoiseach at the UN millennium summit. To achieve that goal over a fixed time scale, the figure for 2002 should be 0.45%. However, the Government allocation for ODA has fallen to 0.41%, a massive cut of €31 million. Instead of going forward, we are going back. In spite of all the promises, assertions and commitments by the Taoiseach that the 0.7% target would be met, it cannot and will not be met. Once again we have reneged on a firm commitment.