Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Supporting countries and communities most seriously in need is at the core of Ireland’s development assistance programme. The Government's policy for international development, A Better World, provides the framework, with a focus on reaching the furthest behind first and addressing the needs of those living in some of the world’s poorest or most climate-exposed countries and those living in areas affected by conflict.

The Government delivers this support through our bilateral development programme, channelled through Irish Embassies in relevant countries, through civil society and humanitarian organisations and through multilateral organisations, including the United Nations.

The most important criterion for decisions on which channel to use is the ability of the partner to reach those most in need in the most effective way possible. These partners continue to be crucial, especially in the context of delivery of essential food supplies in countries facing humanitarian crises, food insecurity and climate shocks.

In Budget 2024, the Government provided the highest ever allocation for the international development assistance programme managed under Vote 27, by the Department of Foreign Affairs. The allocation of €776.5 million represents an increase of €60 million, or 8.4%, on the 2023 allocation.

This will help to ensure that Ireland can maintain our longstanding focus on the most vulnerable countries and communities, including those most acutely affected by food insecurity and conflict.