We have a good record in overseas development aid. When the current Government was elected six years ago, the overseas development aid budget was 0.31% of GNP and we were in tenth position in the league table. By 2002 we had overtaken France, Finland, Canada and Switzerland and we are seventh at 0.41%. That is certainly an honourable record but, unfortunately, it seems that we are now about to falter. It would be a pity if we were to lose our good position that has been steadily improving under various Governments. Also, the method of delivery and the efficiency of our aid is highly regarded. In terms of certain criteria, when compared to other donors, the level of tied aid in Ireland is 0% with the OECD average at 18%, the percentage allocated to the least developed countries by Ireland is 48% whereas the OECD average is only 22%. This aid does work. We have all heard heartrending stories from the coalface in countries like Liberia, Sudan and Ethiopia, about simple things like the digging of latrines undertaken under the supervision of Irish NGOs. These can have an enormous impact on the health and welfare of the people concerned.