Seanad debates
Wednesday, 26 November 2003
Book of Estimates 2004: Statements.
The sad reality is that there is no longer any multi-annual commitment in that regard. At the current rate of increase, we will not meet the 2007 target and NGOs and even bilateral aid cannot work on the basis of stop-go decisions. It does not allow for planning or for projects to be put in place if one does not know from one year to the next exactly how much money will be available for investment in particular projects. This is something in which people in all parties have an interest. It will not cost a huge amount of money, but we need to get it right. We need to agree it on a multi-annual basis so that we know, over three or four years, how much will be spent. I appeal to the Government to look at the ODA budget for the next three years, assuming it will be in power that long, and to set out in clear monetary terms exactly how it intends to reach the 0.7% target in three years, if that remains its intention.
No comments