Ireland renews commitment on aid to world's poorest countries

Ireland renews commitment on aid to world's poorest countries 

Ireland will continue to spend at least 50% of our overseas aid in the world's poorest countries, the Minister of State for Development, Trade Promotion, and North South Co-Operation, Seán Sherlock, TD, announced today. 

Ireland is among the most effective countries in the world at targeting aid at those who need it most, a policy we are committed to pursuing in the coming years, Minister Sherlock confirmed today. 

The announcement was made to mark Global Citizen Earth Day organised in Washington, DC, by the ONE Foundation. 

Minister Sherlock said: 

“I am proud to commit that Ireland, through Irish Aid, will continue to spend at least 50% of our aid budget in the least developed countries and to do as much as we can on aid.  

“We will work with our partners in Europe and beyond to convince them to do so too.” 

Ireland’s Ambassador to the United Nations, David Donoghue, will make the announcement in Washington on behalf of Ireland. 

Today's event coincides with the Spring meetings of the World Bank and IMF to focus on the post-2015 development negotiations, of which Ireland is a co-chair with Kenya. 

ENDS

Press Office

18 April 2015 

 Notes to Editors:

· Irish Aid is the Government’s overseas assistance programme. It is managed by the Development Cooperation Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. For further information see www.irishaid.ie  

· The OECD Review of Ireland’s aid programme in 2014 found that 52% of our total ODA goes to Least Developed Countries – the largest share of any DAC member. 

· Ireland was appointed in October 2014 as co-facilitators with Kenya of the inter-governmental negotiations to agree the Sustainable Development Goals. 

· The appointment is testament to the reputation of Ireland’s aid programme, Irish Aid; and our proud record of promoting human rights and participation in peacekeeping across the world. 

· The process will culminate in a summit of world leaders in September 2015 in New York.