Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour)
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423. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to invest in Ireland's overseas aid budget in his budget proposal for budget 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37979/14]

Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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425. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if Ireland is fulfilling its commitment to overseas aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38038/14]

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 423 and 425 together.

The Government is strongly committed to Ireland’s overseas aid programme, which is at the heart of our foreign policy. Our policy on International Development, “One World, One Future” clearly articulates our vision for a sustainable and just world, and sets out our goals and areas of focus for the coming years. The policy restates our commitment to achieving the UN target of providing 0.7% of Gross National Product (GNP) for Official Development Assistance (ODA), when economic circumstances permit.

Since coming to office, the Government has successfully managed to stabilise the budget for development assistance. This is a significant achievement, particularly in light of the difficult budgetary circumstances we faced. It is a clear demonstration of our commitment to the aid programme. Since 2011 we have allocated in excess of €2.5 billion to ODA, providing €657 million in 2011, €629 million in 2012, and €637 million last year. For 2014 we expect to provide in excess of €600 million for ODA. These are substantial allocations of public funds and represent a genuine investment on behalf of the Irish people to assist those less fortunate than ourselves.

The estimates process for Budget 2015 is now in its final stages. As with allocations to all Government Departments, the 2015 budget for Ireland’s aid programme will be framed in the context of our policy commitments and the overall budgetary circumstances we face. The final allocation to ODA is ultimately a decision for Government, and will be announced by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform on Budget Day next week.

As the Deputy can appreciate I am not in position to announce next year’s allocation but, as I have repeatedly stated publicly, and in response to previous Questions, I and the Minster for Foreign Affairs and Trade have made, and will continue to make, the strongest case possible for the allocation to the development assistance programme.

I am determined to ensure that Ireland’s aid programme continues to be recognised as a world leader, focusing relentlessly on delivering real and sustainable results that provide lasting improvements to the lives of some the world’s poorest people.