Overseas aid to rise to highest level in 10 years

Overseas aid is set to increase by almost €110million, bringing the State’s overseas development assistance to its highest level in 10 years.

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney said the allocation is a “credible step” towards meeting the Government’s commitment to dedicate 0.7 per cent of gross national income to Official Development Assistance (ODA) by 2030.

Mr Coveney said about €45 million of the €110 million of new money will go towards Irish Aid, the bilateral aid programme managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

“Our investment in international development and in the collective response to humanitarian disasters is an important statement of who we are as a people,” Mr Coveney said.

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“It is also clearly in our interest to contribute to global solutions for global problems. As a small state, as an island and as an open economy, we are better off when countries work together.”

Concern said the announcement is to be commended for being the Government’s biggest year-on-year increase in spending on ODA since 2006.

“Ireland has a long-standing reputation globally as a leader in international development and Concern looks forward to working with the Government as we help those most in need,” said chief executive, Dominic MacSorley.

Dóchas, the Irish Association of Non-Governmental Development Organisations, said the Government’s continued commitment to overseas aid was vital.

“We are extremely pleased to see this increase in the overseas budget for 2019 - the most significant budget increase for ODA in over a decade,” said Suzanne Keating, chief executive of Dóchas.

“This is the credibility injection that we have been seeking and demonstrates the Government’s continued commitment to overseas aid is vital.”

Oxfam Ireland also welcomed the announcement and said the increase in the aid budget shows “strong commitment” to delivering its ODA target.

Fianna Fáil’s spokesperson for foreign affairs and trade Niall Collins TD said the Government must set out a “roadmap” if Ireland is to deliver on its commitment to reach the 0.7 per cent ODA target.