Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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383. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent of the level of bilateral aid currently supported by this country; the locations at which this aid is targeted worldwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4761/23]

Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The Government's international development policy, A Better World, is strongly focused on addressing the needs of countries and communities which are the furthest behind, with an emphasis on those in the world’s poorest or climate exposed regions, especially women and girls. Ireland’s programme of Official Development Assistance (ODA) is a central element of our foreign policy.  For 2023, the Government has provided over €1.23 billion in ODA, in order to respond to the complex human needs caused by poverty, hunger, conflict and climate change.  This is the highest allocation ever, and a 17% increase on last year’s allocation.

The Department of Foreign Affairs reports to the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) on overall expenditure on ODA,  against a set of internationally agreed statistical standards. The detailed annual report for 2021 was launched in October 2022, and is available to the public on the Irish Aid website. The report includes detailed analysis of bilateral and multilateral assistance, confirming that in 2021  €516.73 million was allocated to bilateral ODA.  The top thirty recipient are listed in the Irish Aid annual report (Link provided: www.irishaid.ie/media/irishaid/IrishAid_AR_2021_WEB_V5-FA.pdf).

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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384. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the degree to which Irish aid goes directly to those whom it was intended in a smooth and seamless transition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4763/23]

Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The Government's international development policy, A Better World, focuses on addressing the needs of countries and communities who are furthest behind.  It has a particular emphasis on those in the world’s poorest or climate-exposed regions, especially women and girls. 

The Government has provided a total of €1.233 billion for Official Development Assistance in 2023.  This is the highest ever allocation and a 17% increase on 2022. This funding will be allocated in line with the priorities in A Better World and our commitment to address the global crisis of food insecurity and conflict, especially in Africa. 

Ireland's assistance is channelled to the most needy through multilateral organisations such as the UN, and international financial institutions such as the World Bank; funding to Irish civil society organisations; and bilateral ODA delivered in programmes implemented by our Embassies abroad. The most important criterion in deciding which channel to us, is the ability of a partner to reach those that are furthest behind, in the most timely and effective way possible. Our funding is complemented by Ireland's political and diplomatic engagement.  

Ireland's international development programme has a strong global reputation and is characterised by a commitment to quality.  The 2020 OECD Peer Review of Ireland's development cooperation found Ireland to be a strong voice for sustainable development which invests in strong partnerships with civil society and is effective in addressing fragility and poverty.  The international think-tank ODI has also recognised Ireland as the most principled donor country internationally in allocating overseas development aid.