Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 431: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the plan to include Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam in the Irish Aid Programme; if he will provide assurances that this will not take from the effort being made on the African continent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39017/06]

Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Government decided in December 2004 to open an Embassy in Hanoi with responsibility for the development of a South East Asia regional development programme covering Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos.

Irish Aid established a development programme in Vietnam in 2005. Programmes commenced in Cambodia and Laos in 2006. They focus, as in Africa, on poverty reduction, pro-poor economic growth and civil society. Funding is also provided for de-mining activities.

I can assure the Deputy that the inclusion of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos in Ireland's aid programme will not adversely impact on our commitment to Africa.

The vast majority of our aid goes to Africa. This will continue. The White Paper on Irish Aid, approved by the Government and published in September, states that "Africa will remain the principal geographic focus for Irish Aid". In line with this commitment, the Government have designated Malawi as a new programme country for Irish Aid.