Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 285: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will support a matter (details supplied). [35257/09]

Peter Power (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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In 2008, Ireland spent €920 million on Official Development Assistance (ODA). This represented approximately 0.59 % of our Gross National Product (GNP). For 2009 the total budget for ODA is expected to reach €696 million. Based on current projections this will represent at least 0.48% of GNP. This means that Ireland will remain one of the most generous donors in the world on a per capita basis.

As the Deputy is aware the Government has established a target of spending 0.7% of GNP on ODA by 2012. We do recognise that achieving this target will be a challenge in the current economic circumstances. During the estimates process for 2010 which is currently underway, the Government will make a comprehensive assessment of our capacity to achieve this target. It must be recognised that there are many competing demands for scarce resources. Our aim is to protect the aid programme to the maximum extent achievable within the context of the current difficult fiscal environment. I would point out that Ireland's aid programme is recognised internationally as one of the best in the world. Our peers in the OECD have described it as "cutting edge". I can assure the Deputy that this quality will be maintained while we continue to ensure maximum value for taxpayers' money in our aid programme.