Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 67: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the impact of the budget cuts on overseas development aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41725/09]

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 Gross National Product (GNP). This means that Ireland will remain one of the most generous donors in the world on a per capita basis. This is an enormous achievement in the context of the current economic circumstances.

The Government very much regrets having to make the decision to reduce the 2009 development assistance budget. However, it must be recognised that this necessary decision was taken in the context of the economic situation facing the country. Its sole objective is to assist in stabilising the public finances. This is a fundamental prerequisite for the resumption of economic growth, which is the only sustainable way Ireland can meet its future ODA commitments. The Irish Aid programme is internationally renowned for its sharp focus on poverty reduction and hunger alleviation, and its concentration on the least developed countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. In implementing the necessary budgetary adjustments we were determined to maintain this focus and protect the international reputation and quality of the programme.

We worked closely with our development partners to ensure the continuity of programmes by extending funding time frames and modifying disbursement rates. We are confident that planned final outputs will be delivered, albeit with some realignment of timeframes. In addition, there was no reduction in the important technical expertise which Irish officials bring to their work with our partners. Our aid programme remains one of the best in the world. It reflects our core values and commitments to supporting the poorest people in the world. The decisions that we have taken regarding adjustments to the aid programme were framed in the context of this commitment and our determination that, once the Irish economy has returned to a pattern of sustainable growth, we will resume the expansion of our aid programme.