Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 Oct 2001

Vol. 542 No. 2

Written Answers. - Overseas Development Aid.

Liz McManus

Question:

185 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the recent research undertaken by MORI-UNFPA and published by the Irish Family Planning Association, which showed that half of the public think that Government expenditure on overseas development aid is too low and which showed particular support for spending on reproductive health in developing countries; if the Government will consider increasing funding for this sector of overseas development aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24332/01]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

I have been informed by the Irish Family Planning Association of the study by MORI-UNFPA referred to in the Deputy's question.

The global population, which has now exceeded six billion, is putting immense pressure on developing countries, particularly in the urban areas of the poorest countries. In this context Ireland Aid is increasingly focusing attention on the provision of basic education and health care which we believe is the key to ensuring a stable world population. Ireland has sharply increased its support for the work of the United Nations population fund in recent years. Our contribution in 2000 increased by 50% over that of the previous year and this year our contribution has increased by over two-thirds of that in 2000. Furthermore, as part of our multi-annual budgetary planning, we have given indicative commitments for the next two years which will effectively result in a doubling of our current level of funding to $2 million by 2003. The rate of the increase in Irish support to UNFPA is, in fact, the highest among donor countries to the fund. The Deputy will agree that our record demonstrates both the importance we attach to this issue and our real commitment to dealing with it.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

186 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position in relation to developments in Mozambique; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24333/01]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

Ireland continues to monitor closely the situation in Mozambique. The political situation is stable, if fragile. The economy has experienced significant growth in recent years and, while the flooding over the past two years undermined economic progress, the economy has also experienced very positive growth in 2001, demonstrating that it is beginning to overcome the damage caused by the floods.

The Government of Mozambique recently presented its post-flood report which noted the considerable success so far in overturning the destruction caused by the floods. Ireland welcomes the Government's efforts in resettling the population, resuming food production and basic services, and reconstructing basic infrastructures.

Ireland, with its European Union partners, continues to monitor carefully the political dialogue between the ruling Frelimo party and the opposition Renamo parties and we have pledged to support the process of political and socio-economic transition in Mozambique. Mozambique is a priority country for Ireland Aid, and a total of £15.5 million has been allocated for the programme budget for 2001.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

187 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he and the international community are aware of starvation at various locations throughout the continent of Africa; the efforts he and the international community have put in place to address the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24334/01]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

The main focus of Ireland's official overseas development assistance programme is on Africa. Of the £16.75 million – 21.27 million – provided by Ireland Aid in emergency relief and recovery assistance in 2000, £8.5 million – 10.79 million – went to Africa. Overall, 76% of the total overseas assistance provided by the Government during 2000 went to that continent. Ireland has formal development programmes in six African countries, namely, Lesotho, Zambia, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Uganda and Tanzania. This reflects not only development needs but also the long tradition of missionary and humanitarian engagement by Irish people throughout the continent.

This strong African focus is proportionate to the spread of humanitarian crises, both naturally occurring and man-made, which continue to undermine progress and stability on our planet. These lie largely within the African continent. Protracted conflict, such as that in Angola, continues to have an enormous cost in human, social and development terms. Drought and flooding are also endemic in regions such as the Horn of Africa. Ireland and other members of the international donor community continue to reflect these realities and their impact on Africa in our emergency and development assistance programmes.

In broader development terms, the picture is similar. Of the 48 countries classified as least developed by the United Nations, 33 are in sub- Saharan Africa. The greatest concentration of extreme poverty – 46% of the population – is in sub-Saharan Africa. The continent is also under severe threat from the spread of HIV-AIDS which is decimating its population and reversing years of development effort. This too has been given priority in both national and international aid terms. The Government will continue to give Africa this level of priority both in its bilateral aid programmes and in its ongoing work with international partners in the EU, UN and other international fora.