Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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220. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when the Irish aid budget for 2026 will be agreed; the way in which global education programmes will be prioritised; the level of funding for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62129/25]

Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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221. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when the Irish Aid budget for the 2026-2030 period will be agreed; the way in which global education programmes will be prioritised over the same period; the level of funding for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62144/25]

Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 220 and 221 together.

In Budget 2026, the provision for the international development assistance programme managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Irish Aid, was increased by $30 million bringing the total allocation to €840.3 million, the highest level ever. This is a clear sign of Ireland’s absolute commitment to working in partnership to save and improve lives around the world.

It is not possible to provide an overview of the budget beyond 2026, because of the annual budgetary process. However, the Government has reaffirmed our commitment to annual increases in our Official Development Assistance, working towards achieving the target of providing 0.7% of Gross National Income for ODA.

Ireland is a strong supporter of global education initiatives. Our own history and our experience of development, modernisation and globalisation underpins our steadfast support for global education. Education has powered Irish social and economic transformation, and has shaped the country we live in today. Ireland’s policy for international development, A Better World, makes a commitment to scale up support for quality education, with a particular focus on girls’ education. At the heart of this commitment is an emphasis on ensuring we reach the furthest behind first.

In 2024, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade provided €52.3 million in support to inclusive and equitable quality education, particularly education for the furthest behind and girls. This support is programmed through a range of channels, including direct support for education programmes delivered by NGOs and UN agencies, allocations to multilateral funds dedicated for education, and funding for the Ireland Fellows Programme.

While the full details of proposed expenditure for 2026 are being developed, we hope to be in a position maintain, and if possible increase, our funding for Global Education, including for children experiencing conflict and emergencies. Between now and 2030 the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will continue to prioritise the delivery of quality education in low and low-middle income countries, with particular a focus on girls and on reaching those furthest behind.