01/05/2009
Minister Appeals For Partnership Despite Aid Reduction
In the wake of a spate of criticism from aid agencies over reductions in international aid in the Budget, the Government has appealed for a "strengthening partnership".
Speaking at the annual general meeting of Dóchas, Minister Peter Power told the umbrella group of 39 Irish charities that the reduction in foreign aid payments was "inevitable".
The aid agencies had expressed outrage over €100 million in cuts to the overseas aid fund announced in last month's emergency Budget
However, Mr Power said that despite the "adjustments" to the budget, Ireland was projected to remain the 6th highest donor in the world per capita, ahead of Britain, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, the US, and Japan.
"However, we are determined to provide a sound and sustainable basis for the renewed expansion of our aid budgets as soon as economic growth has been re-established."
Mr Power pledged the Government would make a full assessment of Ireland’s capacity to reinstate the fund in the 2010 Budget.
"Inevitably, there will be some reduction in this funding in 2009. But it is essential that Government and civil society strengthen our partnership to ensure that the overall Irish contribution has the maximum effect on the lives of those most in need," added the Minister.
(DW/BMcC)
Speaking at the annual general meeting of Dóchas, Minister Peter Power told the umbrella group of 39 Irish charities that the reduction in foreign aid payments was "inevitable".
The aid agencies had expressed outrage over €100 million in cuts to the overseas aid fund announced in last month's emergency Budget
However, Mr Power said that despite the "adjustments" to the budget, Ireland was projected to remain the 6th highest donor in the world per capita, ahead of Britain, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, the US, and Japan.
"However, we are determined to provide a sound and sustainable basis for the renewed expansion of our aid budgets as soon as economic growth has been re-established."
Mr Power pledged the Government would make a full assessment of Ireland’s capacity to reinstate the fund in the 2010 Budget.
"Inevitably, there will be some reduction in this funding in 2009. But it is essential that Government and civil society strengthen our partnership to ensure that the overall Irish contribution has the maximum effect on the lives of those most in need," added the Minister.
(DW/BMcC)
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