Seanad debates
Wednesday, 26 November 2003
Overseas Development Aid: Motion.
The Fine Gael amendment focuses on the Taoiseach, his credibility and his ability to deliver on promises he made. We are very clear about our backing for the Government's action to date in this area, but we feel the level of funding should be increased and we should be working towards the figure of 0.7%. Like the various aid agencies, we are extremely worried when we see a Government putting the squeeze on funding for overseas development agencies as soon as there is an economic slowdown. It is amazing to see this Government's priorities when the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Agriculture and Food can, in the space of two weeks, approve €14 million for an equestrian centre, with very little consultation, yet for major projects, whether school buildings, a radiotherapy unit for the south east or in this case overseas development agency work, there is a problem with funding.
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