Written answers

Tuesday, 6 July 2010

Department of Foreign Affairs

Overseas Development Aid

10:00 am

Photo of Tom HayesTom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 43: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the priorities for spending for his Department's allocation to Timor Leste in 2010; if the new development strategy being drawn up will pursue the same priorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27560/10]

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Government has provided assistance to Timor-Leste through Irish Aid since 2000. In March 2003, Timor -Leste was designated a programme country, with a commitment to long term strategic assistance. The Conflict Resolution Unit of the Department of Foreign Affairs has been working with Timor-Leste since 2008, assisted by Ireland's Special Envoy, Nuala O'Loan.

In 2009, Ireland provided a total of €4.5 million in support to Timor-Leste, covering development activities and conflict resolution efforts. We are providing a similar level of funding this year.

This year, Ireland has completed a new Country Strategy for assistance to Timor Leste, for the period 2010-2013. This is an integrated strategy, bringing together development work and conflict resolution in one coherent programme. In developing the new programme, lessons have been learned from the experience of working in Timor-Leste over the past decade. The overall goal is to contribute to building peace and reducing poverty through three interlinked areas of assistance. Ireland will provide support for the development of basic infrastructure such as roads and bridges in rural areas, which will help create much-needed employment through private sector contractors. We will also help make government more accountable to its citizens through support for elections, building civil society and increasing the participation of women in politics. Finally, the programme will help strengthen peace-building in Timor Leste through support for remembrance and reconciliation efforts, developing systems to provide early warning of conflict, building political and community dialogue and assisting with security sector reform.

Despite the many challenges facing the people of Timor-Leste, important progress is being made in building a democratic system of government, with effective, accountable institutions. When I met President Ramos-Horta during his State Visit to Ireland in March, I assured him of our continuing commitment to working in partnership with government and local communities in Timor-Leste in support of their long-term development goals.

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