The programme is an integral part of Irish foreign policy and is strong in policy and in implementation. Its components testify to the concentration on long term development. The bilateral programme focuses on just six countries in southern and eastern Africa and one in Asia, where we are a significant player in helping them to develop all aspects of their social and economic infrastructure, playing a role not unlike that which the EU played in our development. Our multilateral aid assists UN agencies which play leading roles in development and agencies which deal with children, refugees, AIDS and other health issues, human rights, mine clearance, environmental degradation and women's issues. We have a well regarded programme of debt relief and, not least, we have a strong programme of assistance through NGOs which have developed outstanding international reputations and high profiles at home.