Dominic Hannigan (Labour)

The centre for global development has just released its report and index on the performance of the richest countries of the world on overseas development aid. Ireland comes halfway up the list which, while not a bad result, leaves room for improvement. One of the criteria used in assessing performance is aid. We are committed to providing 0.7% of gross national product by 2012, three years ahead of the UN deadline. Other countries are doing better than that. Luxembourg provides 0.87% of its gross national income and Sweden gives 0.9%. I suggest we try to increase our contribution. Trócaire made the point in its September report that public opinion would probably support a rise and now would be the opportune time to make that increase. I support such an increase and feel it would help other countries to increase their contributions. Will the Deputy Leader ask the Minister with responsibility for overseas development to come to the House for a discussion on overseas development aid?