Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Finance in view of Ireland's new membership to the Asia Development Bank and its contribution of €20 million to the bank, the projects that have been funded with the €20 million and the level of engagement from Irish businesses that exists with the Asia Development Bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5244/13]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I assume that the Deputy is referring to the contribution of €20m (over a nine-year period beginning in 2013) which Ireland has pledged to the current replenishment of the Asian Development Fund (ADF), the concessional lending arm of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) of which Ireland has been a member since 2006. The ADF assists development in the poorest countries of Asia and the Pacific by providing low-interest loans and grants to fight poverty. ADF operations provide infrastructure and services to boost economic growth; assist countries with fragile and conflict-affected situations; and expand the access of the poor, women, and children to quality education and health care, reliable supply of electricity and clean water, and economic opportunities. ADF also helps these countries improve their institutional capacities and implement needed reforms. In conjunction with the Asian Development Bank, Enterprise Ireland and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, my Department supports the promotion of business opportunities for Irish enterprise in the recipient countries. Procurement contracts with ADB are generally awarded on the basis of international competition which is open to firms and individuals from any ADB member. I understand that there is considerable interest among suppliers, contractors and consultants from Ireland and in this regard a Business Opportunities Seminar was hosted by Enterprise Ireland in Dublin in October 2012. Further information regarding the involvement of Irish businesses in ADB loan and technical assistance projects is available on the Bank’s website www.adb.org