373 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount of money given by Irish Aid to all Irish non-governmental organisations for the years 2008 and 2009; the predicted amount for 2010, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20505/10]

Cooperation with development Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) represents a very important element of the Government's aid programme, administered by Irish Aid. We consistently channel a higher proportion of our overall assistance through the non-governmental sector than most other international donors, reflecting the strong support of the Irish people for the work of NGOs and missionaries.

So far this year, Irish Aid has provided €56 million in funding to Irish NGOs. I expect that total funding for 2010 will be over €100 million. In 2009, over €114 million was provided to Irish development NGOs, and in 2008 over €145 million. This funding is provided to support the long term development work of NGOs, in accordance with the central objective of the Government's aid programme, to make an effective Irish contribution to the fight against global poverty and hunger. Funding is also provided to support emergency and humanitarian assistance, and work in the area of development education. Through Irish Aid, the Government provided funding to over 170 Irish NGOs last year. The following is an outline of all funding to Irish NGOs in 2008 and 2009, and funding provided to date in 2010.