Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 273: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that non-governmental organisations are concerned with the reduction in the overseas development aid budget and that the global crisis impacts most adversely on the poorest countries; if he will give a commitment that there will be no further cuts in overseas development aid; if he will ensure that NGO's are given priority in the distribution of the overseas development aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8537/09]

Peter Power (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Government decision to reduce the budget provided for Overseas Development Assistance was taken solely in the context of the extremely difficult economic situation the country now faces. I have already given a clear commitment that when economic circumstances permit, we will resume the expansion in Ireland's aid programme which has been a significant feature of Government policy over the past decade.

It is important to recognise that, even with the reduction in our aid programme from the planned €891 million to €796 million, Ireland will again this year be the world's sixth largest aid donor, in per capita terms. Our aid programme is recognised internationally for providing untied aid, with a particularly strong focus on the poorest and most vulnerable people in sub-Saharan Africa. The Government is continuing to work to achieve the target of spending 0.7% of GNP on ODA in 2012.

I am fully aware of the concerns of Non Governmental Organisations and others about the Government decision. Both the Minister for Foreign Affairs and I have held meetings with representatives of the Irish NGOs to discuss these concerns. As we have done in our public statements, we have explained the basis on which the Government decision was taken and underlined our strong commitment to working with the Governments and people of the developing world, in cooperation with our EU and other international partners, to ensure that the poorest people do not become the chief victims of the global economic crisis. I have also emphasised the importance which we attach to our partnership with NGOs and civil society, through which over 20% of the budget for development assistance is being channelled. I have made clear that the priorities of the aid programme will remain as set out in the Government's 2006 White Paper on Irish Aid.

We are now examining carefully how the budget adjustment of €95 million will be implemented across the aid programme. The decisions we make will be based on a comprehensive analysis of the programme, to ensure its effectiveness and value for money. They will be based on a firm commitment to maintaining the central priority of Ireland's development programme: to contribute to the reduction of global poverty and hunger, with a particular focus on the poorest people in the Least Developed Countries.

Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 274: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the development aid assistance being made to the Kingdom of Lesotho; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8542/09]

Peter Power (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Lesotho is one of the nine priority countries for Ireland's aid programme. We have been working with the Government and people of Lesotho since 1975, with a commitment to long term strategic assistance. Lesotho is one of the world's poorest countries. Almost 25% of the adult population are living with HIV and AIDS, and life expectancy is only 42.6 years.

Ireland's bilateral aid programme in Lesotho amounted to over €13 million last year. In addition, over €150,000 was provided during 2008 to support the work of Irish Non Governmental Organisations, missionaries and UN Volunteers in Lesotho.

Since its inception, Ireland's aid programme has been directed primarily at rural communities located in the remote mountain districts of the country where poverty levels are highest. We have focused on the provision of health and education services. The fight against HIV and AIDS is now also a particular priority for the programme. We are contributing through an important tripartite partnership between Irish Aid, the Clinton Foundation and the Lesotho Ministry of Health. €4 million was provided from the programme budget for the partnership last year.

Overall, a recent review of assistance to Lesotho has shown that the efforts of donors are being hampered by a lack of human resource capacity, weak planning in the country's public services, the effects of the HIV and AIDS pandemic and the continuing migration of labour to South Africa and elsewhere. In recognition of this, the Irish Aid Country Strategy Programme for Lesotho for the period 2008 — 2012 is based on a focused "whole of government" approach, with the objective of improving the effectiveness of aid and achieving specific social outcomes.