Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 9 September 2024
22. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the details of the way in-country student costs are used in the calculation of official development assistance expenditure; the projected expenditure from in-country student costs that will go to official development assistance in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33992/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile most Official Development Assistance (ODA) expenditure is focused on developing countries, there are elements of expenditure in the donor country which are eligible to be counted as ODA. These include scholarships and student costs, development awareness programmes, in-donor refugee costs and administrative costs. The Ireland Fellows Programme managed by Irish Aid in the Department of Foreign Affairs falls within this definition.
The Programme offers early to mid-career professionals from 79 developing countries the opportunity to undertake a fully funded one-year master’s level programme at Higher Education Institutions in Ireland. The Programme aims to nurture future leaders; to develop capacity to achieve national Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); and to build positive relationships with Ireland. It is designed to support graduates on their return home, through the skills they develop, to contribute to capacity building nationally. It is also envisaged that they will contribute to building enduring positive personal and professional relationships with Ireland, promoting institutional linkages.
The award covers programme fees, flights, accommodation, and living costs. It is administered by the Irish Council for International Students (ICOS) in Ireland, on behalf of the Department.
All expenditure under the Programme is included in the calculation of Ireland’s ODA expenditure, including expenditure in Ireland. Total expenditure in 2023 was €9.1 million, with €9m of this provided to ICOS to cover programme fees, flights, accommodation and living costs for 206 Fellows enrolled in 17 Higher Education Institutions, as well as ICOS management fees and costs. The budget for the Programme in 2024 is €9.28 million. The 2025 allocation will be determined when the 2025 budget has been compiled and approved.
