Seanad debates
Wednesday, 26 November 2003
Overseas Development Aid: Motion.
Since 1960, we have noticed a tremendous improvement in terms of life expectancy increasing from 46 to 62 years. In underdeveloped countries the under-five mortality rate has been falling from 216 to 107 per thousand live births. There is a measurable, quantifiable result from the delivery of this aid, which is why it is a pity that it is stalled. I do not want to criticise the Minister of State; I know where his heart is in this programme. We should unite in this House to give him support in pushing as vigorously as possible to reach the outlined target. The Taoiseach said that we would reach 0.7% during the millennium, which was a good political photo opportunity. He said it again at the conference in Johannesburg a short time ago. He recommitted himself, but what is happening in the meantime? We are having a freeze, which represents a real problem for a number of reasons.
No comments