MOS reaffirms Ireland's Development commitments

Minister for Trade and Development, Joe Costello, stated: “Today’s Budget demonstrates that Ireland remains committed to supporting the world’s poorest people despite the difficult economic climate in which we find ourselves.

 “I welcome the fact that our core development aid funding has been protected in the 2013 Budget, as it was in the 2012 Budget by the present Government.

 “It is absolutely crucial for the Government to address the financial difficulties in which we find ourselves, and Ireland’s aid budget had been reduced by more than €250 million, or almost 30%, between 2008 and 2011 in response to the economic crisis.

 “Today’s 2.5% reduction is a modest decrease which will enable Irish Aid to continue to save lives and build a better future for millions of people in some of the world’s poorest countries.

“In addition to tackling hunger and poverty, our aid programme helps build the economies of the countries in which we work.  Within a few years, many of these countries will be our markets and trading partners as their economies experience strong growth, albeit from a low base. It is in our interest to work in partnership with them, supporting them on their path to peace, stability and prosperity.

“The Government remains committed to achieving the 0.7 % UN target as soon as economic conditions stabilise and improve.  Our aid programme is internationally-recognised as among the most effective in the world and I am committed to ensuring that we achieve more with fewer resources by rigorously targeting our investment on those programmes which deliver real improvements and value for money.”

Note to the editor

• Irish Aid is the Government’s programme of overseas assistance. It is managed by the Development Cooperation Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
• The total allocation for Ireland’s overseas development programme in 2013 is €623 million. (This is made up of €498 million for Vote 27 of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and an expected €125 million in Other ODA, including Ireland’s contribution to the EU Development Cooperation Budget).
• This represents a reduction of 2.5% - or €16 million – on the 2012 budget of €639 million.