Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 380: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the percentage of Gross Domestic Product spent on overseas development aid; the steps he will take to reach the target of 0.7% in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36816/09]

Peter Power (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) is measured internationally as a percentage of Gross National Product (GNP). For 2009, total 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 maintain its position as one of the most generous donors in the world on a per capita basis. The Government has established a target of spending 0.7% of GNP on ODA by 2012. Achieving this target will be a challenge in the current economic circumstances. The Government will make a full assessment of our capacity to achieve it in the context of the preparation of the 2010 Budget. 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" and Ireland as a "champion" of aid effectiveness. 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.