Seanad debates

Wednesday, 27 November 2002

Overseas Development Aid: Motion.

 

It is important to be factual when we discuss this matter. I wish to clarify a point Senator Ryan made about Fianna Fáil having no concerns about this area. The Senator should check the record or talk to some of his colleagues in the Labour Party. If he were to check the facts in relation to discussions that took place prior to the formation of the Fianna Fáil-Labour Party Government at the time Albert Reynolds and Dick Spring led those parties, he would note that historically there was a major emphasis on this area by both parties in those discussions. He would also note that the graph in relation to ODA spending finally took off in the right direction around that time. Senator Mansergh would be able to verify that fact. I was then Minister of State and those are the facts. I want to clear the air on that matter. None of us has a monopoly on concern about this area, but I have been very much encouraged by what I have heard from Senators across party lines. I will deal with some of the issues raised, if I have time later.

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