asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will indicate the proposals he has for the growth of bilateral aid; and the amount of capital funds that will be made available for this country's aid programme.

The question of the overall allocation for official development assistance in 1978 is currently under consideration in common with the estimates for other Government activities in the coming year. Accordingly, it is not possible at this stage to indicate either the overall amount or the breakdown as between bilateral and other aid operations.

Do I understand from the Minister that the full amount of the provision for bilateral aid was not taken up in the last year for a number of reasons not least of which was our newness to this whole business? Could the Minister give any indication as to what action he proposes taking to ensure that whatever sum is made available is taken up by the private sector?

I appreciate the Deputy's concern is well based. In the current year we are ensuring to the best extent possible that the allocation for this year will be fully taken up. As regards the encouragement of the private sector, we are also making special arrangements through the appropriate agencies to inform them of the operations which they can become involved in. Again, that matter is more appropriate to other questions on the Order Paper.