Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

124. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which Ireland's bilateral aid programme continues with countries most seriously in need; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36555/16]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Supporting countries and communities most seriously in need is the core work of Ireland’s development assistance programme. The Government’s Policy for International Development, One World One Future, has a strong emphasis on bringing lasting benefits to the poorest and most vulnerable.

The most recent Peer Review by the OECD of the Irish Aid programme, in 2014, singled out Ireland’s efforts to benefit the poorest countries in the world. The review commended our aid distribution to Sub-Saharan Africa and other areas of greatest need. These areas continue to be a major focus, with over 60% of Ireland’s bilateral aid going to Sub-Saharan Africa in 2015. Eight out of the top ten recipient countries of Irish development assistance are in Africa.

Ireland’s bilateral aid programme also continues to have a key focus on Least Developed Countries. Ireland’s percentage of bilateral aid to Least Developed Countries was the highest of OECD donors last year and Ireland’s total ODA to Least Developed Countries exceeded the United Nations’ target of providing 0.15% of GNI in such assistance.

In One World One Future, the Government affirmed its commitment to countries experiencing instability and fragility, including countries recovering from crisis or conflict. A focus on these countries helps to ensure that assistance is given where it is needed most.

Ireland also has a strong record of providing aid to areas experiencing severe humanitarian crises. In 2015, Ireland provided over €140 million in humanitarian assistance globally, with a focus on areas of greatest need. Ireland also maintains a focus on forgotten crises.

Maintaining an emphasis on countries and communities most seriously in need remains of the highest importance for Ireland’s aid programme, full data and information on which can be found in the 2015 Annual Report, accessible on the Irish Aid website, www.irishaid.ie.