Written answers

Wednesday, 6 May 2015

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Overseas Development Aid

Photo of Finian McGrathFinian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

433. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding Irish Aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17664/15]

Photo of Seán SherlockSeán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Irish Aid is Ireland's official programme for overseas development, funded by the Government and managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. For this year, the Government is providing just over €600 million in Official Development Assistance (ODA). Of this, €476 million is being managed by Irish Aid in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade under Vote 27 – International Cooperation.

Responding to humanitarian emergencies and their aftermath is a central feature of the Irish Aid programme. We recognise the obligation to provide emergency humanitarian assistance, to save lives, alleviate suffering and maintain human dignity in the most difficult situations. Recovery assistance provides focused support to countries emerging from conflict or natural disasters, assisting affected populations re-establish their lives. In responding to emergencies and their aftermath, Irish Aid provides funding to a variety of partners in order to best meet the needs of affected communities. These include host Governments, Irish and international NGOs, the International Red Cross/Red Crescent movement, and multilateral agencies such as the UN. Further detail is included in the statistical annexes to the Irish Aid annual report, available on the website at www.irishaid.ie.

We engage closely with trusted NGO partners, with whom we have a longstanding and proven partnership, so that support can quickly reach those in need of assistance. National and international NGOs represent a key group within the humanitarian community, particularly in implementing relief operations on the ground. Through specially designed funding schemes, Irish Aid provides funding to these partner agencies to respond to crises quickly and in the most effective way.

The Irish people have consistently demonstrated their generosity in responding to humanitarian emergencies and crises around the world. Donating to a registered charity is the best way to help in a time of crisis. This support enables registered and experienced relief organisations to purchase exactly what those who have been affected by a humanitarian crisis need most urgently. A list of registered charities is available from the Development NGO umbrella group, Dóchas (www.dochas.ie).

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.