Budget 2025 is a “missed opportunity” to support the furthest left behind

Those who are facing the gravest humanitarian crises in the world and the worst effects of food insecurity and conflict have been left behind by today’s budget.

Dóchas, the Irish network for international development and humanitarian organisations,  is disappointed that there is no additional funding in today’s budget for development and humanitarian assistance; and this is a missed opportunity to support those who are furthest behind. We are moving further away from reaching our target of spending 0.7% of GNI on ODA spent overseas. 

 Speaking following the Budget announcement, Dóchas CEO Jane-Ann McKenna said: 

‘Whilst we welcome €45m which will be allocated to climate finance, this does not go far enough. 

At a time when there are devastating humanitarian crises in Sudan and Gaza, and areas of the Sahel and Southern Africa are beset by food insecurity, flooding and conflict, we need Ireland to uphold its commitment to reach 0.7% on ODA. Today’s announcement does not put us on course to achieve this. Despite recent statements at UNGA - where Ireland has called on member states to act with urgency on the SDGs, as progress falters - we are yet to see Ireland deliver on its promise. Today’s budget was a missed opportunity to deliver on that. 

Ireland rightly enjoys a reputation as a champion of overseas aid for the most vulnerable people, the poorest and those left furthest behind. But we are not going in the right direction in translating words into action, and increasing our funding. 

Ireland has the means to give more, and it is disappointing that the Government chose not to invest more strongly in overseas development aid, something which 76% of Irish people support, according to research.'