“The money allocated today shows that the Government is committed to fighting hunger, conflict, and addressing the climate emergency. Increased investment by Ireland is vital to tackling the severe food crisis in the Horn of Africa, where one person is dying every 48 seconds. It is also vital for a just recovery in the face of COVID-19 and the climate crisis.” - Jane-Ann McKenna, Dóchas CEO
Dóchas, the Irish network for international development and humanitarian organisations, welcomes the increase of €177 million for overseas development assistance (ODA) announced in today’s budget, bringing the overall ODA budget to over €1.2 billion.
In this, the Irish Government has demonstrated its solidarity with the most marginalised people across the world who are affected by severe hunger, conflict and the effects of climate change.
With today’s announcement they have also shown their commitment to reaching the UN target of 0.7% of gross national income (GNI) spending on overseas development by 2030.
Speaking today in response to the budget announcement CEO of Dóchas, Jane-Ann McKenna said, “The money allocated today shows that the Government is committed to fighting hunger, conflict, and addressing the climate emergency. Increased investment by Ireland is vital to tackling the severe food crisis in the Horn of Africa, where one person is dying every 48 seconds. It is also vital for a just recovery in the face of COVID-19 and the climate crisis.”
“Irish International NGOs, supported by Ireland’s ODA programme, are on the frontline in over 104 countries, working in partnership with local NGOs, community-workers, and activists to provide long-term sustainable development and live-saving assistance. This commitment to ODA by the Government, and its leadership on these issues at a global level, is needed now more than ever.”
Dóchas looks forward to working with the Department of Foreign Affairs and the wider Government to deliver on its commitment to ODA and reaching the furthest behind first.
Press Release: First Published Dochas Website | 27 Sept 2022