21/11/2016

Ministers To Meet With Red Cross President To Discuss Irish Partnership

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charlie Flanagan TD, is due to meet with the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Peter Maurer.

At the meeting the Minister will discuss Ireland's partnership with ICRC, one of the world's oldest and most respected humanitarian organisations.

Speaking in advance of the meeting with President Maurer, Minister Flanagan said: "The ICRC is an important humanitarian partner for Ireland. Irish Aid provided €140 million in humanitarian assistance in 2015 and funding in 2016 is likely to match this. This funding is a testament to the effectiveness of the ICRC in operating in some of the most difficult environments in the world. Their ability to continue to deliver aid to the Syrian people living under siege in appalling conditions is an incredible testament to their capacities and dedication.

"The visit of President Maurer will enhance the strong and productive relationship between the Irish Government and the ICRC in the years to come across all of our policy objectives. In particular I look forward to discussions with President Maurer on issues including humanitarian assistance, international humanitarian law and disarmament."

Minister for Diaspora and Overseas Development Aid, Joe McHugh, who will meet with Peter Maurer on Tuesday morning, also said: "We are living through an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe and the ICRC is central to Ireland's response. In addition to core funding, Ireland provided funding through the ICRC which was earmarked for some of the largest crisis today; in Syria, South Sudan and Nigeria. Working with partners like the ICRC enables our funding to reach those most in need as quickly and effectively as possible."

(MH/CD)

Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

19 December 2019
Latest Crime Statistics Show 33% Fall In Homicide Offences
Homicide offences have fallen 33% in the third quarter of 2019, according to the latest Crime Statistics by the Central Statistics Office (CSO). The decrease is said to be in part due to a significant reduction in instances of dangerous driving leading to death; and in part due to a decrease of 17% in instances of murder.
17 December 2019
Govt Accused Of Blocking Investment In Mental Health
The government has been accused of abusing the money message provision in order to block additional investment in mental health. Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Mental Health James Browne made the criticism in response to a letter from the Minister for Health using the money message as an excuse not to proceed with his Mental Health Parity Bill 2017.
29 November 2019
New Gift Voucher Legislation To Come Into Effect From Monday
New legislation on gift vouchers will come into effect from Monday 02 December, the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys, has announced.
29 November 2019
Ireland Reaffirms Commitment To European Space Programmes
The Minister of State for Training, Skills, Innovation, Research and Development, John Halligan, has reaffirmed Ireland's commitment to European space programmes.
29 November 2019
'Hyde and Seek' Creches At Centre Of RTÉ Investigation To Close
The 'Hyde and Seek' creches at the centre of the RTÉ Investigates documentary, Behind Close Doors, are to be deregistered and closed with 21 days. Tusla's Early Years Inspectorate has notified the registered providers of the 'Hyde and Seek' crèches in central Dublin that their four services will be removed from the Register of Early Years Services.