Minister Flanagan invites the public to the Irish Aid stand

As the National Ploughing Championships 2015 get underway in his Laois constituency, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charlie Flanagan T.D., has announced details of Irish Aid’s participation in this year’s event.

Minister Flanagan commented:

“I look forward to attending the National Ploughing Championships on Tuesday. The Irish public is rightly very interested in the Government’s humanitarian work, particularly in the context of the appalling conflicts at Europe’s borders today.  I invite visitors to take the opportunity at the Ploughing Championship to find out more about the work of Irish Aid, the Government’s overseas aid programme on behalf of the people of Ireland.

“Delivered by my own Department and our Embassies abroad, Irish Aid’s work includes humanitarian assistance to the UN and other organisations that are helping vulnerable people displaced by conflict.   By the end of 2015, over €41 million will have been granted to organisations helping those affected by the Syrian conflict since the crisis there began in 2011.  Over €100 million has been provided to assist vulnerable communities in countries such as Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan, South Sudan, Somalia and the Central African Republic.

“Irish Aid also focuses on the long-term development needs of its partner countries, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa. Irish Aid programmes have supported millions in poor communities and helped to improve their access to education, health, water, justice and good governance. These activities reflect the strong solidarity that exists between Irish people and others around the world who are most in need.

“In keeping with the Ploughing Championships’ overall theme, this year’s Irish Aid information stand will include an exhibition on our work in the area of food and farming. Irish Aid supports millions of smallholder farmers in developing countries to improve their productivity, incomes and nutrition. Our stand can be found at at Block 3, Row 26, Stand 448.

“In addition to opportunities to learn about the global Sustainable Development Goals being adopted over the coming days at a UN Summit in New York, the Irish Aid information stand will also feature lots of great family-friendly activities.  I look forward to meeting visitors there this afternoon.”

Visitors can also follow us from the Ploughing Championships via Twitter (@Irish_Aid) and Facebook.