Brian Brennan
Ceist:52. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the Government will be maintaining or increasing current levels of foreign aid funding in budget 2027. [69231/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 1 October 2026
Ceisteanna (52, 80)
Duncan Smith
Ceist:80. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if Ireland will increase foreign aid in budget 2027. [69080/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 52 and 80 together.
The Government remains committed to the UN target to provide 0.7% of Gross National Income (GNI) in Official Development Assistance (ODA). This commitment was reaffirmed in A Better World, Ireland's International Development Policy and in the Programme for Government, which commits to increases in ODA, towards the 0.7% target.
Ireland’s total ODA amounted to €1.88 billion in 2025, representing 0.44% of GNI. In recent years, the Government has consistently increased the allocation for the Irish Aid programme managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, which works to address the needs of some of the world’s poorest or most climate-exposed countries and communities and those living in areas affected by conflict.
Budget 2026 provided an allocation of over €840 million for the Irish Aid programme. This was the highest ever allocation in the programme's 52-year history.
Ahead of Budget 2027, I an working to ensure an ODA allocation for the programme in 2027 which continues to deliver on Ireland’s commitment to reaching the furthest behind first. I am also working through our EU Presidency to facilitate discussions at political level on the European Union's continuing commitment to development cooperation, including at the forthcoming informal meeting of EU Development Ministers in Dublin on 8-9 October.