Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

The idealism stemmed from our desire to focus on our international obligations. We will become a net contributor to the European Union and as we step up to the rostrum to do that we must also fulfil our international commitments. The Taoiseach's commitment in 2000 was a brave one which has energised the whole area of development aid, as is obvious from the debate this evening. More people are discussing the issue and the volume of overseas development aid is significantly increasing. It has tripled since the coalition Government came to power in 1997. That speaks volumes for the Government's policy on overseas development aid.