Irish Aid recognises that drinking water in sufficient quality and quantity is a basic human need and is also one of the key determinants of sustainable development. Previous Irish Aid reviews have emphasised the linkages with health, school attendance (especially among girls), and the proportion of household budget and time used to collect water.

The Millennium Development Goals include a target of 50% reduction in the proportion of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water by 2015. More significantly, the chances of achieving the first sevenof the eight Millennium Development Goals hinge to a large degree on the provision of safe water and adequate sanitation.

It is estimated that achievement of the overall Millennium Development Goals will require 140,000 and 192,000 additional people to be provided with clean water and sanitation facilities every day from now to 2015.

Irish Aid policy is to support the development of water supply and sanitation in developing countries in a manner that conforms to national policies and that facilitates access to these resources by those who are disadvantaged.

Specific objectives of Irish Aid's support to the sector include;
· To promote the development of structures, processes and policies for water and sanitation at national and local level.                                                       
· To strengthen the capacity within government to support communities in water and sanitation developments.
· To increase the financial organisation capacity at government and community level.          
· To strengthen the awareness of the environmental impact of water supply, sanitation and waste water and on the long term sustainability of water resources for all users.
· To support communities in establishing priorities and making informed choices on the type and level of services.
· To promote changes in hygiene behaviour.
· To support operation and maintenance systems at community level.  

Irish Aid policy emphasises the integration of water, sanitation and hygiene education. Community participation and management is promoted, as are appropriate technologies that can be maintained from affordable user charges. Gender and environmental issues are mainstreamed across all Irish Aid programmes but receive particular attention within the water and sanitation arena.

Water- and sanitation-related expenditure increased from €7.0m in 2000 to €8.1m in 2001 and €15.6m in 2002.