The Government today announced an extra aid package of £971,575 for East Timor.
Announcing the package, Ms Liz O’Donnell TD, Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, said East Timor was on the threshold of national independence.
"It is important, during this crucial phase of constitutional and democratic transition, that the Irish Government and people meaningfully support this historical task," she said.
The Minister said further support for East Timor will be announced later in the year.
The aid package announced today will be divided between a range of electoral support, human rights, education and agriculture programmes.
The UNDP electoral support programme, which will provide international observers, technology support and voter education, will receive $250,000.
A UN package promoting and protecting human rights will receive $200,100.
Funding will also be given to an agricultural recovery programme for farmers, an Ireland Aid Direct Action Programme supporting local projects, a UN Gender Situation Analysis project and a GOAL project rehabilitating a primary school in the mountain town of Aileu.
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