Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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112. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which Irish Aid continues to be directed towards those for whom it was intended in all areas throughout the globe with particular reference to the continent of Africa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40908/24]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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113. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to identify the most vulnerable locations globally to which Irish Aid continues to be directed; the success or otherwise of such operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40909/24]

Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 112 and 113 together.

Ireland's international development programme is focused on support for countries and communities most seriously in need. The Government's policy for international development, A Better World, provides the framework, with the objective of reaching the furthest behind first and addressing the needs of those living in some of the world’s poorest or most climate-exposed countries. This policy is rooted in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) focusing our efforts in four priority areas: reducing humanitarian need, climate action, gender equality and strengthening governance.

The Government delivers this support through our bilateral development programme, channelled through Irish Embassies in relevant countries, through civil society and humanitarian organisations and through multilateral organisations, including the United Nations. Decisions on channeling of our assistance are made on the basis of partners' understanding of the needs on the ground and capacity to develop programmes that support the principle of locally led development. A recent OECD review noted Ireland’s commitment to being a flexible funder that prioritises the empowerment of the most vulnerable and marginalised communities.

Developing countries are facing challenges of poverty, climate change, conflict and economic shocks. In 2023, eight of the top 10 recipients of Ireland’s Official Development Assistance were in Sub Saharan Africa: Ethiopia, Mozambique, Tanzania, Malawi, Uganda, Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe and South Sudan. The other two to recipients of Irish assistance were the occupied Palestinian territory and Ukraine.

In addressing immediate challenges, Ireland continues to be one of the leading international humanitarian donors, consistently ranked amongst the top 20 globally. In 2023, in response to the unprecedented levels of need, Irish Aid provided over €300 million in humanitarian assistance, an increase of 65% over five years. This includes funding for the ten countries with the highest numbers of refugees. Our humanitarian funding is both predictable and flexible, giving partners the ability to respond immediately to emerging needs and also to plan for multi-annual interventions where necessary.

Similarly, in responding to the climate crisis, international climate finance is critical, and we are on track to meet our target to provide at least €225 million in climate finance by 2025. This represents a more than doubling of our climate finance since 2020, and is focused strongly on climate adaptation by developing countries.

The most recent OECD Peer Review of Ireland's international development programme found that we are a strong development cooperation provider with many areas of excellence. It noted that the clear focus of Ireland’s programme enables Ireland to exercise leadership and make a visible difference in developing countries.