Written answers

Tuesday, 16 July 2013

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Overseas Development Aid Issues

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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140. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding the new policy for international development, One World, One Future; the priority areas for engagement; if the new policy will mean more effective use and deployment of resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34186/13]

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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141. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding the new policy for international development, One World, One Future, the public consultation process in developing this policy and for gauging the reaction thereto; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34187/13]

Photo of Joe CostelloJoe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 140 and 141 together.

On 5 May 2013, The Tánaiste and I launched One World, One Future - Ireland’s Policy for International Development.

This new policy emanates from a commitment in the 2011 Programme for Government to review the 2006 White Paper on Irish Aid. The review examined the progress made by the aid programme over the past 6 years and reassessed the changing context, in Ireland and overseas, in which we operate. A comprehensive public consultation process reached over 1000 people directly, through public meetings throughout the country and overseas. It involved meetings with NGOs, members of the Oireachtas, the Private Sector, Diaspora groups and other stakeholders. It also encouraged interested parties to submit written submissions. Over 160 of these were received and are now available on the Irish Aid website. The review process has been widely recognised as good practice in participatory policy making.

One World, One Future sets out the framework for Ireland’s engagement in international development over the coming years – a framework which will help bring greater coherence to our work, and enable us to better plan for and measure more comprehensively the results which our development efforts are achieving.

It defines our vision of a sustainable and just world where people are empowered to overcome poverty and hunger and fully realise their rights and potential. It identifies three clear goals: (1) reduced hunger and stronger resilience; (2) sustainable development, inclusive economic growth; and (3) better governance, human rights and accountability.

It also sets out 6 priority areas for action around which we will plan and manage our resources: a) Global Hunger b) Countries that are fragile c) Climate Change and Development, d) Trade and Economic Growth, e) Essential Services, f) Human Rights and Accountability.

Given our leading role on hunger, it is perhaps not surprising that this framework places achieving Food and Nutrition Security centre stage. But, we are also signalling an evolution in our approach by increasing our focus on responding to situations of fragility, giving even more attention to human rights, ensuring that greater emphasis is placed on inclusive and equitable economic growth and promoting more rounded relationships with our Key Partner Countries by bringing economic and political relations further into the dialogue.

One World, One Future, has been very positively received by Irish Aid partners. Civil Society organisations have welcomed the renewed focus on Human Rights, Climate Change and addressing inequality. African governments have welcomed the emphasis placed on more rounded partnerships based on mutual respect and mutual interest.

Moving this policy forward is a major priority. Over the coming weeks and months, I will consult with our stakeholders and with members of the public once again. They have played an important role in developing this Policy and their views as to its implementation are equally important.

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