Dan Boyle (Cork South Central, Green Party)
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Question 20: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if it was rapid economic growth or an economic downturn that resulted in the Government's decision to renege on its commitment on overseas development aid; if the commitment was unrealistic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13677/05]

Dan Neville (Limerick West, Fine Gael)
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Question 37: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs when a new and fixed timescale for achieving the UN target for overseas development aid will be achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13515/05]

Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 84: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on criticisms of Ireland's record on overseas development aid made by Mr. Bob Geldof at the launch of the report of the Africa Commission in London on 11 March 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13559/05]

Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 20, 37 and 84 together.

The allocation for 2005 provides for an increase of €70 million in Government spending on official development assistance this year. This will bring total Government aid to the developing world to approximately €545 million in 2005, the highest allocation in the 30 year history of the aid programme. In addition, the Government has agreed to provide further increases of €65 million in each of the years 2006 and 2007.

These substantial increases mean that over the three years from 2005 to 2007, €1.8 billion will be spent by Ireland on development assistance. As a result, Ireland will maintain its position as one of the world's leading aid donors on a per capita basis. In addition, this three year multi-annual commitment, incorporating substantial annual increases, gives my Department a sound basis to carry forward the long-term planning which is so important for development work.

The increases in spending on aid that this Government has already achieved are dramatic. Ireland's overall contribution to ODA in 1997 was €158 million and in 2004 it was €475 million, a threefold increase. It is important to recognise that since the target of 0.7% of GNP was first agreed at the UN General Assembly in 1970 it has proved difficult for many countries to reach. To date, only five countries have managed to reach or exceed the target.

Ireland, unlike many donors, has successfully focused its aid programme on the needs of the poorest people in the poorest countries. Ireland is one of only six countries to have surpassed the target, endorsed by the UN, of contributing at least 0.15% of GNP in ODA to the world's least developed countries.

The Government remains strongly committed to achieving the UN target for expenditure on ODA. The issue of how best to meet the target, and in what timeframe, is under ongoing review. My Department has recently launched a consultative process that will lead to a White Paper on development assistance. We look forward to receiving views from all interested groups and members of the public.