Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 16: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his strategy for reaching the 0.7% of GDP target for investment in overseas aid. [8783/11]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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In 2011, Ireland's total contribution to Official Development Assistance (ODA) will amount to €669 million. It is estimated that €534 million of this funding will be administered by Irish Aid, in the Department of Foreign Affairs, which manages the Government's aid programme. Some €135 million is accounted for by contributions of other Government Departments and by Ireland's share of the EU development cooperation budget. On current projections, this level of allocation will ensure that Ireland will provide approximately 0.52 % of GNP for development assistance.

As I have stated in my reply to the earlier Priority Question, the Government is strongly committed to Ireland's aid programme. We are very proud of the programme and its achievements and we value the broad cross-party and public support on which it is based. Development remains central to Ireland's foreign policy. In our programme for Government we have clearly stated that we are committed to the 0.7% GNP target, and will seek to achieve it by 2015. Given the current economic circumstances facing the country, the target will be difficult to achieve. Our strategy is to restore growth to the economy, and to provide the basis for sustained growth in the Government's aid programme.

As I have stated already, the Government was elected to rebuild our society and our economy, but not to do so at the expense of people who are significantly less fortunate than ourselves, many of whom have to provide for their families on incomes of less than $1 a day. Decisions on the annual allocations for the aid programme will of course have to be taken in the context of the overall budgetary situation. However, I can give the assurance, as Minister with responsibility for trade and development, that I will make the strongest possible case for funding for development assistance.

Ireland's aid programme has a strong international reputation for its focus on clear results in the fight against poverty and hunger, especially in the poorest countries of sub-Saharan Africa. I want to ensure that Ireland can meet its international commitments, and that Irish people can remain proud of their contribution to the building of a fairer society, not just at home but also in the poorest countries and communities.