Written answers

Wednesday, 2 February 2005

Department of Foreign Affairs

Overseas Development Aid

9:00 pm

Photo of David StantonDavid Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 147: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has raised with his European and American counterparts the low levels of aid given to Afghanistan to assist in the rebuilding and restructuring of that country; the Government's views on these low aid levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2645/05]

Photo of Conor LenihanConor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Afghanistan has embarked on an enormous political, economic and social transformation since it emerged from 23 years of conflict just three years ago. Much progress has been made. Millions of children have returned to school. There have been major investments in primary health care, water, sanitation and rural development. Economic growth rates are positive.

There are major challenges ahead. Safe water and sanitation coverage is low and only 6% have access to electricity. Yet, for the first time in a generation the people of Afghanistan can see discernible progress economically and socially. They have an elected president, are preparing for general elections and there is a development framework to guide the country's reconstruction.

The international community is fully supporting the Government of Afghanistan in its work of rebuilding the country. This is a co-operative effort involving the Government of Afghanistan, bilateral donors, including Ireland, UN agencies, the EU and civil society as represented by non-governmental organisations, NGOs, including Concern, GOAL, Trócaire and Christian Aid.

The international community has committed large sums to Afghanistan in development and humanitarian assistance. Last year at the Afghanistan Donor Conference held in Berlin in March, donors pledged €8.2 billion over three years. President Karzai expressed himself happy with this degree of support. Assistance from the US to Afghanistan between 2001 and 2004 amounted to €4.2 billion. In 2002, the EU provided over €850 million and in 2003, €835 million. These sums represent a very substantial level of support and they were delivered rapidly.

Ireland plays its part in the reconstruction of Afghanistan. Since 2002, Ireland has provided €17 million in support of recovery and reconstruction. These funds are delivered through the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund, ARTF, UN agencies, international organisations and trusted NGO partners. Ireland contributed €800,000 to support the organisation of the presidential elections, through the United Nations Development Programme, UNDP.

The rebuilding of Afghanistan is a long-term project. The commitment of the international community will be necessary for a number of years, until the economy of Afghanistan begins to produce the revenues necessary to fund its own development. Ireland will continue to play its role as long as necessary.

Photo of Michael RingMichael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 148: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has discussed the level of Ireland's overseas development aid with the United Nations since the budget 2005 statements on aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2632/05]

Photo of Conor LenihanConor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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I have not had the occasion to discuss the level of our overseas development aid with the United Nations since the budget 2005 statements last December. Officials of my Department are, however, in regular contact with the United Nations funds, programmes and specialised agencies whose development work Ireland supports.

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