David Norris (Independent)

I would like to discuss the parameters within which we view this issue. As an Independent Member, I am non-partisan and would like to encourage the Minister of State. He is a very good Minister, a very decent man, but like all Ministers he is fighting for a budget. This is an important one and I want him to carry back the message to the Government that he has the support of all sections of this House to reach the target of 0.7% of GNP. I have a different view from my Fianna Fáil colleagues about how that should be approached but we are united on the desirability of this goal.

The importance of the Minister of State's work is demonstrated by the report of the review group which sets out clearly that more than 1.2 billion people are struggling to survive and 24,000 people, the population of a good sized town in the midlands, are dying every day of hunger, approximately 75% of whom are children. That is what we are confronting and we should not play party politics with the issues.

The review group also adumbrated a series of very wise principles – effectiveness, value for money, transparency and accountability. It also indicates that it is good procedure to use non-governmental organisations and missionary groups.

I compliment the Minister of State on his initiative to form a public private partnership involving business and the energy of the financial community. It has a responsibility because it makes substantial profits and should be encouraged to contribute. I assume any money raised in this way, however, will not be counted towards the trend towards 0.7%.