Madam, - I am deeply concerned by the comments made in the Dáil on Tuesday evening by Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern. He admitted, in effect, that the target date for the Irish Government to achieve the UN goal of giving 0.7 per cent of GNP in overseas aid was dead in the water as many of us had long feared. Furthermore, he said the Government would not be rushed on setting a new date to meet our solemn commitments to the international community.
It is ironic, and very embarrassing, that such comments should be made during a Dáil debate on the very worthy and essential cause of "making poverty history". Ireland's commitment to achieving the target of 0.7 per cent by 2007 was bold and ambitious - but it was still a commitment nonetheless. To fail in this commitment is galling for many Irish people - particularly my own age group, who are very idealistic about injustice in our world. I am sure, however, that it is even more galling for the many countries who supported Ireland's election to the UN Security Council in 2001 on the strength of this promise. Many of these nations came from the developing world and looked to Ireland for leadership and inspiration. The Minister's words on Tuesday night mean that they will now look elsewhere in disgust.
To be told that we give more than any of the G8 countries is hardly relevant or an achievement considering their poor records, and the fact that our economic growth rate is back to around 5 per cent. The decision to save money on development aid is even more scandalous considering the well documented cost over-runs in the national roads programme with the brazen waste of public money across so many areas of Government activity.
What sort of values is the Government transmitting to our young with this decision? What sort of example is being set? I would like to see this Government, and all future governments, put a clear set of human values at the core of what they do - not just govern for the sake of it. They must re-affirm honesty in all that they do as a key value. Honesty is particularly important when dealing with the disadvantaged or weak in our society or wider world. There is no worse feeling than that of a dashed hope. - Yours, etc,
SEAN McKIERNAN Jnr, Virginia Road, Bailieborough, Co Cavan.