Ireland will be spending €1.5 billion a year on overseas aid by 2012, the Government said today.
The Taoiseach today unveiled the first-ever White Paper on Irish Aid, which sets out an ambitious blueprint for the future.
The figure of €1.5 billion represents 0.7 per cent of Ireland's Gross National Product (GNP) - the commitment given by the Taoiseach to the UN Millennium Review Summit in September 2005.
Interim targets have been set which will see Ireland commit 0.5 per cent of GNP to overseas development aid next year and 0.6 per cent in 2010.
Foreign Affairs Minister Dermot Ahern said the White Paper would increase development assistance and open up peacekeeping and rapid response roles in humanitarian disasters.
"There will also be a new focus on conflict resolution. We are adopting this new international role for which we are uniquely positioned," he added.
Minister of State Conor Lenihan said: "This is the first time in our island history that we have both the money and the expertise to make a real difference. A key challenge for Irish Aid is how to involve Irish citizens, institutions and expertise in the work we do abroad," he added.
The publication of the White Paper follows a consultation process with Irish NGOs, international organisations and the Irish public, through a series of town hall meetings around the country.
The document outlines key principles that will guide the expansion of the Government's aid programme up until 2012. In addition it announces new areas of focus and initiatives to allow for greater and active participation by the Irish public.
Malawi is to become Ireland's ninth partner country.
A new Rapid Response Initiative will include a roster of highly skilled individuals from Ireland for deployment at short notice to emergency situations and disasters.
A Unit for Conflict Analysis and Resolution will be established at the Department of Foreign Affairs to share Ireland's experience and knowledge of conflict resolution and peace-building.
A Hunger Task Force will be set up, drawing on public and private sector expertise to tackle the root causes of food insecurity, particularly in Africa.
Early in 2007 the Government will open a Information and Volunteering Centre to facilitate those wishing to volunteer to work in the developing world.