Gorta welcomes today’s adoption by the Irish Government of one of the main recommendations of the government’s ‘Hunger Task Force’ Report, the appointment of Kevin Farrell as Special Envoy for Hunger.

“Given the extent of world resources, it is inexcusable that one billion people globally go hungry everyday” stated Brian Hanratty, Gorta CEO, who attended Minister of State for Overseas Development Peter Power’s announcement this morning at Government Buildings.

The Hunger Task Force was established in 2007 and includes a number of Irish and international experts and activists including Prof. Denis Lucey, (Gorta & UCC ), Prof. Jeffrey Sachs of Columbia University, Josette Sheeran, executive director of the World Food Programme, and Bono.

"Since its inception, Gorta has focused primarily on food and water security in sub-Saharan Africa, with an emphasis on maternal health and the provision of assistance to women farmers. This renewed focus on food security, both by Irish Aid through the adoption of the ‘Hunger Task Force’ recommendations, and highlighted internationally through the recent global food crisis, is desperately needed."

"Much more action is required to achieve the goal of food security for all. The global financial crisis has proven how resources can be mobilized on a vast scale, a similar course of action needs to be taken to tackle the scandal of one in seven people on earth going hungry"

“Gorta wishes Kevin Farrell success in his new role and welcomes the planned emphasis on practical ideas and solutions to eradicate hunger and looks forward to working closely with Irish Aid” added Hanratty.

Brian Hanratty, CEO | Phone: 01 661 5522 | email: ceo@gorta.org
Adrienne Dunne, Manager-Marketing and Communications | Office: 01 664 0157, Mobile: 087 786 2868 | email: adrienne.dunne@gorta.org

EDITORS NOTES

GORTA-The Freedom from Hunger Council of Ireland

• Gorta is Ireland’s longest established overseas aid agency and has been tackling the issues of food security throughout the developing world with the support of tens of thousands of donors nationally since 1965. Gorta’s name, meaning “famine”, acknowledges its close association with extreme hunger, both historically in Ireland, and where it exists around the world today.
• Gorta’s mission is to work for a world free from the injustices of chronic hunger, poverty and disease, having special regard for the plight of children and the empowerment of women. Gorta establishes partnerships with local communities, and supports local leadership to ensure their needs are met in a sustainable way.
• Programmes and projects supported by Gorta are located predominantly in Sub-Saharan Africa where the need is greatest. Their objective is to help people become self-sufficient in food production and income generation thereby creating a secure future for generations to come.
• Gorta supports agricultural activities including livestock rearing, irrigation schemes and other water-based projects. The support of education, healthcare initiatives and income generating activities also forms part of Gorta’s work. Since its inception, Gorta has channeled the contributions of Irish people to over 2,000 projects in the developing world.