Conor Lenihan TD, Minister of State for Irish Aid, this afternoon warmly welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Finance of a €128.2m increase in the budget for the Irish Aid in 2007.

"The increases announced this afternoon will allow Irish Aid to expand its programme in key areas in 2007, such as our response to international emergencies, the fight against HIV/AIDS and the core areas of health and education" said Minister Lenihan.

"The increase ensures that Ireland continues to be one of the most generous donors in terms of our rate of contribution as a percentage of GNP."

"Today’s allocation will ensure that we meet our target for 2007 of Official Development Assistance at 0.5% of GDP. The Government is clearly on course to fulfill its pledge to reach 0.7% of GDP by 2012."

Note to editors:

Irish Aid’s Vote 29 (International Cooperation) is €728m for 2007 - an increase of €128.2m or 21% on the 2006 vote. A further €85 million is allocated through other government departments, bringing a total allocation in 2007 for Official Development Assistance (ODA) of €813 million.

In 2007 Irish Aid will increase its emergency budget line by 50% from €60 million to €90 million. This will substantially enhance Ireland's level of response to humanitarian emergencies globally.

Following the renewal of the Government’s partnership with the Clinton Foundation in September, support under the Foundation partnership for Mozambique and Lesotho will increase to €16 million in 2007.

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6 December 2006