Ireland's first White Paper on development aid will be presented at the Mansion House, Dublin, this afternoon by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.
The Government's decision to prepare the document was taken as a result of substantial increases in funding for the programme which is mainly run by Irish Aid, the development division of the Department of Foreign Affairs.
The Government has committed itself to reaching the United Nations aid target of 0.7 per cent of gross national income by 2012. This will amount to more than €1.5 billion per annum, based on current projections.
Today's launch is seen as marking a significant stage in the 32-year history of overseas aid from Ireland. The aid programme is in operation in more than 90 countries worldwide.
The White Paper is expected to set out priorities and principles for the aid programme, which is mainly focused on the poorest countries of Africa.
The internal discussions on the document were paralleled by a series of public meetings around the country.
Also in attendance today will be Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern and Minister of State for Development Co-operation and Human Rights Conor Lenihan, as well as members of the development aid community.