Development cooperation is an integral part of Ireland’s foreign policy.

Poverty reduction, to reduce vulnerability and increase opportunity, is the overarching objective if Irish Aid.

Irish Aid has grown steadily over the years - in 1997 the total ODA budget was €157 million – ten years later this has grown to €813 million.

Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on the 14th of September 2005, the Taoiseach announced that Ireland will reach the UN Official Development Assistance (ODA) spending target of 0.7% of GNP by 2012.

In making this commitment, the Taoiseach also decided on a clear pathway towards achieving this figure.

First Stage
In 2006, we achieved the first target set of 0.5% of GNP (three years ahead of the EU target of 2010) with ODA spending in the region of €813 million. 

Second Stage
In 2010, we will reach 0.6% of GNP. On present anticipated growth rates, ODA spending will be in the order of €1.2 billion in that year.

Reaching 0.7%
In the final stage, we will reach 0.7% of GNP in 2012. Again based on anticipated growth rates, it is projected ODA spending will be approximately €1.5 billion in 2012.

In real terms, this means that between 2007 and 2012 Ireland could spend as much as €6 billion on overseas aid.

Ireland will support the promotion of human development, human security and justice, the building and strengthening of democracy, the promotion of gender equality and the promotion and protection of human rights.

We will be guided by the following principles:

Ireland’s relationship with the developing world will be based on a spirit of partnership and equality. The governments and peoples of our partner countries are primarily responsible for their own development and will lead the development process. Ireland will offer advice, expertise and assistance but decisions on development planning must, to the greatest extent possible, be locally owned and led.

For their part, our partner countries must work to combat corruption, ensure effective and responsible government, promote democracy and protect human rights. We will also work in partnership with other donors and with international and non-governmental organisations which share our priorities.

We will ensure greater public awareness and ownership of the programme. We will also encourage greater awareness of development issues. The programme will be delivered in an open, accountable and transparent manner. The bases for funding decisions will be transparent. We will consult with partners on major policy initiatives.

We will use public resources efficiently and effectively, providing value for money for the Irish taxpayer. To maximise effectiveness, we will ensure high quality in the planning and management of our projects and programmes. We will work in close coordination with other donors and the international community in order that development assistance is used to best effect at a global level. Ireland’s assistance will not be tied to the use of Irish goods or services. Rigorous audit and evaluation will inform our work to ensure that resources are used to optimal effect to achieve value for money and that we learn from past experience.

We will work for a coherent approach to development across all Government Departments. Within Irish Aid itself, we will work to ensure coherence across the wide range of development assistance instruments employed and to minimise and eliminate inconsistencies and contradictions.

Our interventions will be durable and will bring real benefits over the long term. We will work towards sustainable improvements in the lives of ordinary people through building systems to address the causes of poverty rather than simply ameliorating the symptoms. Our development programme will integrate environmental concerns, to protect the interests of future generations.

Last Updated: 08/02/07