We have a strong tradition of helping the poor and the dispossessed and the Government made a commitment in 2001 of at least $30 million annually, through Development Cooperation Ireland, to fight HIV-AIDS by way of multilateral, global, regional, national and community efforts. In this context, the Minister of State and the Minister stated that one priority of the Irish Presidency would be to address the AIDS pandemic not only in Africa but also in the western Balkans and associated countries.