Foreign Affairs 2003 Estimates Published

The Estimates for Public Services in 2003 were published this afternoon and include provision of €163.231m for Vote 38 (Foreign Affairs) and €373.449m for Vote 39 (International Cooperation).

Despite the changed and difficult financial circumstances, the Ireland Aid budget will increase by €33 million in 2003. This will maintain the present unprecedented high level of aid (0.41% of GNI), Ireland will, therefore, be in the top five of European Union contributors to Overseas Development Aid, and the sixth highest country contributor in the world. This is well ahead of the EU average (0.33%).

The Government, as stated by the Taoiseach in Johannesburg at the recent World Summit on Sustainable Development, is committed to reaching the UN target on ODA by 2007. We are proud that our programme enjoys a worldwide reputation for high-quality and effective aid. In the coming year, we will continue to work relentlessly, both directly and in close partnership with Irish NGOs and missionaries, to enhance the quality and focus of our aid, and to improve the conditions in which the poorest people of the world live.

The financial provisions for the Department of Foreign Affairs' administration and other services will decline overall by almost €9m. The administration budgets for travel, communication services, equipment and office maintenance expenses have all been reduced. An additional €7m has been allocated for commitments arising in 2003 for Ireland's Presidency of the European Union in the first half of 2004. Grant-in-aid and contributions to International Organisations allocations are broadly unchanged.

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