The Government had not abandoned the goal of reaching the UN level of 0.7 per cent of GNP in official development aid (ODA) for Third World countries, Mr Robert Molloy, the Minister of State for the Environment, said. "On the contrary, at a time when we have joined the ranks of wealthy nations, we are more than ever concerned to ensure that the aid programme should not stall . . ."
He said the development aid budget for 1999 was likely to total £178 million and it was estimated that there would be £190 million spent this year.
Senators were debating a recommendation by Independent members that the Government increase immediately the financial assistance given to Third World development aid from 0.31 per cent of GNP to the suggested UN level.
Mr Tom Kitt, Minister of State for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, who previously had responsibility for overseas development, said he was glad that the Government had supported the Independents' motion.