Some people see our aid budget as a luxury when spending is being controlled elsewhere. I believe it fits with the values and wishes of the Irish people. We are staying true to our commitment to helping the poorest people of the world. As a country, we will continue to be one of the leading donors of aid in the world in respect of our GNP. It is no harm to salute the contribution we have made. Ireland is seventh in the world as a donor, ahead of countries such as France, Britain and Finland. Our current level, as well as our commitment, well exceeds the EU target of 0.33% of GNP of each member state's aid budget, as agreed in Barcelona last year. Ireland's aid programme in the year ahead, has been targeted at almost €400 million. We continue to show a significant increase compared to where we were a few years ago.