Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 89: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the logic behind, and reasons for the production of a White Paper on Development Aid, in view of the fact that a major review took place in the recent past which led to the establishment of an advisory committee; the new target date for the achievement of the 0.7% target for overseas development aid; if the proposed White Paper will formally identify such a date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18495/05]

Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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This will be the first ever White Paper on development co-operation. The White Paper will set out coherent, effective and sustainable policy priorities for the Government's official programme of development assistance into the future that accurately reflect both public and expert opinion, as well as best practice in the field.

The Government remains committed to increasing the resources available for development co-operation, as evidenced by the three-year multi-annual commitment announced in the last budget. The aid programme is not static. It has evolved as it has expanded and that will continue into the future, guided by the White Paper.

The report of the Ireland aid review committee and the White Paper are very different. The report of the Ireland aid review committee published in 2002 was a most valuable and useful document which remains valid today. The Ireland aid review committee was an independent committee of experts which made a wide range of valuable recommendations on the future of the aid programme. Many of those recommendations have been, or are being, implemented.

The preparation of the White Paper provides an opportunity to engage in a broad public consultation regarding the future direction of the official development assistance programme. It will set out the principles which have brought us to where we are today and which will guide our efforts into the future. The official development assistance budget is public money. We want to ensure that the public are aware of how it is being spent and also that they have an opportunity to make their views known.

The Government remains strongly committed to achieving the UN target for expenditure on official development assistance. The issue of how best to meet the target and in what timeframe is under ongoing review. This is a separate question from the preparation of the White Paper, although the implications of any decision taken with regard to reaching the target will be reflected in the text.