How is Irish ODA changing over time?

Ireland's ODA more than doubled from US$1.2 billion in 2021 to US$2.6 billion in 2022, reaching a peak of US$2.9 billion in 2023. ODA as a percentage of GNI similarly increased from 0.30% in 2021 to 0.67% in 2023. However, total ODA declined to US$2.5 billion (0.56% of GNI) in 2024.

The current centre-right coalition government has pledged to gradually increase ODA towards 0.7% of GNI in the Programme for Government (2025-2029). The current Taoiseach is a strong advocate for ODA, and government ministers from both coalition parties have repeated their commitment to the Programme for Government pledge in parliament. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's ODA budget was boosted by EUR30 million in the 2026 Budget. Excluding IDRC, the 'Irish Aid' budget increased from 2020-2023, although the rate of increase has been diminishing, and in some years the increase has been offset by a decrease in IDRC. The decrease in IDRC has led to a decrease in total ODA when compared to 2020-2024 levels. The decelerating trend of budget increases is expected to continue until the end of the government's term in 2030, and IDRC figures will fall, in line with government policy direction.