Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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17. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will confirm that in applying the most recent reduction to Ireland’s overseas aid budget he will ensure that those programmes that are most directly linked to real and lasting changes for poor people are exempt from those cuts; if he will reaffirm his commitment to the 0.7% of GNP target for oversees development aid by 2015 as set out in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1478/14]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The Government is strongly committed to Ireland’s overseas aid programme and to its place at the heart of Ireland’s foreign policy. Our new policy on International Development, 'One World, One Future', focuses sharply on the poorest countries and communities in sub-Saharan Africa and on three goals: reducing hunger, building sustainable growth and good governance. I believe that this new Policy will ensure that our aid programme remains one of the best and most effective in the world.

For 2014, the Government will be providing in the region of €600 million for Official Development Assistance - a clear indication of this Government’s commitment to the aid program. Our new Policy provides a coherent framework for the prioritisation and allocation of resources across the programme to maximise impact, strengthen accountability and demonstrate value for money. It also commits to improving efficiencies and strengthening performance across all the partners supported. Most of all it is about making a real and sustainable difference in the lives of some of the poorest people in the world.

The new Policy also reconfirms our commitment to achieving the UN target of providing 0.7% of Gross National Product for ODA, when economic circumstances permit.