Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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190. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the knock-on impact to Irish charities (details supplied) due to the cut in USAID; if he plans to meet with these groups to discuss the way to bridge this funding gap; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9462/25]

Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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The Government remains firmly committed to Ireland’s international development assistance programme and its overriding priority, to reach the furthest behind first.

Ireland has worked with the US Administration and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on several global?and country?programmes that support sustainable development and humanitarian response. Since the announcement by Executive Order of the 90 day pause for all US foreign assistance programmes, the Department of?Foreign Affairs has been?following closely the?continuing reports and announcements in relation to?USAID.?

While the situation is still evolving, we are aware that USAID has begun to formally terminate contracts and funding to its partners. We are aware of the potential impact on development programmes and humanitarian relief efforts, and are already working with our partners to ensure that the implications of any funding cuts are managed as well as possible.

It would not be viable for Ireland’s funding to substitute for future shortfalls in US or other donor funds. However, we will continue to provide support that is both predictable and flexible, thereby enabling partners to adapt as well as possible to rapidly changing contexts.

The Government will continue to work closely with international partners, multilateral organisations such as the United Nations, civil society organisations, and through the European Union in our collective effort to overcome global poverty and inequality and to advance sustainable development.

We are fully committed to our programme of work with Irish Non-Governmental Organisations and their local partners, and provide very significant funding for their work under the international development programme. Since 2023, Ireland’s Civil Society Partnership funding scheme has provided €100 million annually to the main Irish development NGOs. This funding supports the delivery of international humanitarian and development programmes. In recent weeks, I met with Irish NGOs, including Concern, GOAL and Trócaire, and we are continuing to engage closely with them as the situation develops.