Dóchas Welcomes Budget ODA Announcement But It Does Not go far Enough

Dóchas, the Irish network for international development and humanitarian organisations, welcomes the allocation of additional funding for Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) announced in today’s budget, but said the reality is it is not keeping pace with the ever-escalating humanitarian needs and crises around the world.

 Speaking following the announcement Dóchas, CEO Jane-Ann McKenna said “today’s Budget does not go far enough in terms of what is needed to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, and meet the ever-increasing humanitarian needs and crises caused by climate, conflict and hunger. Significant transformative action is critical if we are serious about building sustainable food systems and tackling the climate emergency.”

 Ms McKenna Added “The current escalation of violence in Israel and Gaza shows we don’t have to look too far to see the devastating impact of conflict on local communities, including women and children. This together with the global challenges of climate and food security demand more ambitious action.”

Irish International NGOs, supported by Ireland’s ODA programme, are on the frontline in over 104 countries, working in partnership with local NGOs, community-workers, and activists to provide long-term sustainable development and live-saving assistance.

Dóchas looks forward to working with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Defence to ensure this funding allocation reaches the furthest behind.

Ms McKenna Concluded, “We must ensure that this funding is targeted at the real changemakers – local organisations, women's organisations and civil society organisations who work on the frontlines of response.

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