Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 339: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps which the Government is taking to implement the Millennium Development Goals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8799/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), adopted in the year 2000 as part of the commitments undertaken by Heads of Government at the Millennium Summit, represent a measurable framework for development up to the year 2015. The MDGs are at the heart of our development co-operation programme. Irish Aid's focus on reducing poverty and supporting the provision of basic services to the poorest people is wholly consistent with the attainment of the MDGs.

The latest MDG progress report, issued in July 2007, gave us a snapshot of the progress achieved at the midpoint of the 2015 MDG target date. Overall, there has been good progress on some targets, but the geographical disparities are quite striking. While there has been progress towards the Goals globally since 2000, largely due to advances in China and other Asian countries, Africa is lagging behind on most indicators. This is attributed to a combination of institutional weakness, conflict, and funding shortfalls.

In recognition of the extent of the poverty in Africa, Ireland continues to focus over 80% of its bilateral country assistance on sub-Saharan Africa. Much of this assistance is devoted to areas which are essential to achieving the MDGs. These include combating HIV/AIDS, malaria and other communicable diseases, building effective health and education systems and addressing natural and man-made emergencies. We work directly with local and national authorities, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), the UN and other international agencies and missionaries. It is working effectively through all these channels, which is most likely to make a real contribution to achieving the MDGs.

We are supportive of international initiatives which address the MDGs, such as the MDG Africa Steering Group convened by the UN Secretary General last September. This brought together high level representatives of the African Union, European Union, African Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank, IMF and World Bank, which will meet regularly to examine how to strengthen Africa's efforts to meet the Goals. The Taoiseach has indicated his support for a meeting at Heads of Government level in September 2008 with the aim of intensifying MDG efforts in the period leading up to 2015.

The MDGs have given the developed and developing world a clear set of benchmarks to enhance the wellbeing of the world's poorest, within a set timeframe. The commitment of the Government to reach the UN target of 0.7% of GNP for development funding, is a clear indication that Ireland will play its role in endeavouring to deliver on these benchmarks.