Aid Agencies say Ireland cannot afford to cut its aid any further
Budget Submission by Irish aid agencies: Overseas Aid cut by 24% already
November 27th 2009
In their pre-Budget Submission, 44 Irish development NGOs called on the Government to avoid further cuts in Ireland's overseas aid budget.
"The 2009 budget for aid to the world's poorest people has already been cut several times, and severely. The Government cut the aid budget by 24%, far in excess of cuts made to other Government Departments. Those cuts are having a direct impact on the lives of tens of thousands of people overseas, and they are severely denting Ireland's reputation as a country that keeps its promise" said Hans Zomer, Director of Dóchas and spokesman for the aid agencies.
"We are mindful that people in Ireland are struggling to come to terms with the economic recession and indeed with the floods that are affecting large parts of the country. And we know the Government has a lot on its plate, having to make very difficult decisions as it plans a path towards recovery.
"However, we are speaking out on behalf of people who have nothing on their plates – the 1 billion people who go hungry every day" said Hans Zomer.
Ireland has committed to help make world poverty history by raising its aid budget so that by 2012 we will spend at least 0.7% of Gross National Income on development cooperation.
"We are reminding the Government of its 'solemn commitment' to help poor people, and we are reminding them that people across the country and all parties in the Dáil support the increase of our overseas aid.
"We must not forget that other people are also suffering from the global economic and climate crises, and that they need our help now more than ever," said Hans Zomer of Dóchas.
A recent EU-commissioned opinion poll found that more than 92% of Irish respondents said it is either "important" or "very important" to help people in developing countries.
Some 65% of Irish respondents said that Ireland must "exceed" or at least "honour" its aid commitments.
Related Links:
WeDoCare.ie - Official website of the campaign to prevent further cuts to the Irish overseas aid budget
Limerick TDs sign petition against overseas aid cuts - Limerick Leader, 21 Nov 2009
Govt urged not to cut overseas aid - RTE News, 21 Nov 2009
Irish urged to continue tradition of foreign aid despite hard times - Irish Times, 07 Nov 2009
