Naoise Ó Muirí (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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110. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the additional measures that will be supported by the increase in the ODA budget this year. [57155/25]

Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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In Budget 2026 the Government has provided €840.3 million for the international development assistance programme managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. This is an increase of €30 million on 2025. It represents the highest ever level of funding for the Irish Aid programme and is a clear sign of Ireland’s commitment to working in partnership to save and improve lives around the world.

This funding will allow us to further increase Ireland’s humanitarian assistance for the people of Gaza and put a stronger focus on the conflict in Sudan, which has created the most severe humanitarian crisis in the world. It will also allow us to increase our focus on targeting the scandal of child malnutrition, as well as strengthening our work to deliver critical support, such as healthcare and education, that allows people to build better futures for themselves.

Since my appointment as Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, I have also sought to continue to advance Ireland’s intervention in the area of maternal health and the rights of women and girls in Irish Aid programme countries.

I have seen the positive work that Ireland’s investment in the area of maternal health and rights has realised first hand on my visits to Sub-Saharan Africa, specifically in Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Sierra Leone.