asked the Minister for Agriculture the food and agricultural aid being rendered by Ireland to the following countries: Chad, Mali, Niger, Bolivia and Upper Volta, whose populations have the worst hunger problems in the world, that is, an average food intake of between 75 and 78 per cent of requirements.

Ireland's food aid contributions are channelled through the World Food Programme operated by the United Nations and not on a bilateral basis. Under the World Food Programme all the countries mentioned by the Deputy, with the exception of Bolivia, qualify for priority treatment.

Ireland, operates a bilateral development aid programme under which all of the countries mentioned, excluding Chad and Niger, have been afforded cash grants totalling over £90,000, for development purposes. Chad and Niger have received certain relief funds from the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Would the Minister consider that more could be done by his Department in respect of these extremely poor countries which have the worst hunger record in the world?

Yes. I suppose this is something which is under consideration at all times. We are not doing too badly. Considering the resources of our country, I think we are making a fair contribution.

Would the Minister agree to investigate the exclusion of the one country mentioned, namely Bolivia, from the food aid convention?

The contribution to Bolivia was about £4,400 last year.

Does the Minister think that will make a great impression on the hunger problem of that country?

I would not say so.

Would the Minister ensure that more is done?

I can do that, yes.