Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 50: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the projected aid budget allocation to middle eastern countries in the 2007 budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3950/07]

Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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This year Irish Aid will deliver significant development and humanitarian funding to a number of countries in the Middle East. Subject to the situation on the ground, it is likely that the bulk of Ireland's assistance will be allocated to Palestine, Lebanon and Iraq.

Palestine will remain a significant recipient of assistance from Irish Aid. Ireland has been providing development and humanitarian assistance in support of the Palestinian people since 1993. In 2006, we allocated €6.4 million to meet the humanitarian and development needs of the Palestinian people. In 2007, we will provide at least a similar level of assistance. Our focus will continue to be on the three sectors of education, rural development and support for civil society. Ireland's core objective in providing assistance to Palestine is to alleviate the consequences of the conflict by enhancing the capacity of Ireland's partners in Palestine to respond to the current crisis and, where possible, to begin to meet future development needs.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and the UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) remain key partners for Ireland in the provision of basic emergency assistance to the Palestinian people. Increased funding of €3.8 million has already been allocated to UNRWA in 2007 — an increase of 25% on 2006. Furthermore, I have made a commitment to maintain this increased level of funding for a three year period. Core funding at this early stage will allow the Agency greater flexibility and predictability in budgeting for service delivery.

Ireland responded swiftly to the crisis in Lebanon last year, providing nearly €1.6 million in humanitarian assistance support. At an International Conference in support of the Lebanon hosted by France last month, my colleague, Minster of State Noel Treacy, pledged a further €2 million for recovery assistance in Lebanon, which will be allocated through targeted support for the work of Irish Aid's partners.

I am deeply concerned at the continuing deterioration in the humanitarian situation in Iraq. I am committed to continuing to assist the vulnerable population in that country. Since 2003, Irish Aid has made funds of nearly €8 million available for humanitarian interventions in Iraq. Activities supported by Irish Aid currently include mines' clearance work by the Mines Advisory Group, health care programmes for the Marsh Arab population run by the Amar Foundation, and support for the United Nations High Commission on Refugees for the provision of services to internally-displaced persons. Already this year, Ireland has pledged a further €3 million to help those affected by violence. We will continue to play our part in alleviating the suffering of the Iraqi people through trusted partner agencies including the UN, the Red Cross family and NGOs.