Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 40: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount by which he expects Ireland's contribution to overseas development aid will be increased for 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33277/05]

Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Question 71: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if legislation will be brought forward to ensure that Ireland meets the UN target for aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33280/05]

Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 40 and 71 together.

The Taoiseach announced at the UN Millennium Review Summit in New York on 14 September that the Government will reach the target of spending 0.7% of GNP on official development assistance by 2012.

We have agreed a number of steps along the way to achieving the target. First, we have an interim target of 0.5% of GNP in 2007. Second, aid spending is expected to reach 0.6% in 2010. We have, then, a clear pathway to achieving the UN target in 2012. As the Deputies will be aware, 2012 was my own stated preference year for the achievement of the 0.7% of GNP figure.

The 2006 Estimates process is currently under way and the allocations to the Department's Vote for International Co-operation, Vote 29, will be agreed in the context of the Estimates negotiations. On the basis of current anticipated growth rates, however, total ODA, at 0.47% of GNP in 2006, is expected to be of the order of €675 million.

My view on legislation on the 0.7% target is on record. I am not convinced that legislation is the answer. This would create a precedent which could be invoked for many areas of Government expenditure. Moreover, we have clearly charted the way forward, including through interim targets. Our commitment is achievable, and it will emphatically be achieved.