Government Commitment to Overseas Aid in Budget 2021

Dóchas strongly welcomes the allocation 867 million euros for overseas development assistance (ODA) announced in today’s budget.

The Irish Government has shown solidarity to the most marginalised people across the world in the face of the pandemic, as well as leadership in alleviating hunger and poverty by investing in its Irish Aid programme.

Speaking today in response to the budget announcement CEO of Dóchas, Suzanne Keatinge said, “The money allocated today shows that the Government has delivered on its promise of maintaining its investment in ODA.  This is vital to Ireland’s global efforts for a just recovery in the face of COVID-19 and the climate crisis, allowing us to build back better from a world-class international development and humanitarian programme." 

“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.  This commitment to ODA by the Government is needed now more than ever.”

Also speaking in response to the Government’s announcement Finola Finnan, Dóchas chair and Deputy CEO of Trócaire said “One of the direct consequences of the pandemic is that for the first time in decades we are losing ground in our efforts to alleviate poverty, hunger and injustice.  The UN’s World Food Programme recently estimated that up to 270 million people will experience acute hunger in 2020 and they fear that 12,000 people per day could die by the end of the year. There is no doubt that the Irish Government’s investment in its quality ODA programme will save lives in this context alone.”

Following the announcement last week of the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to the World Food Programme, Greg Barrow, its Deputy Director of Communications thanked the Irish people and the Irish Government for helping them to reach the most vulnerable around the world.  It was a timely reminder of why today’s announcement of spending 867 million euros on ODA is so important.

Dóchas looks forward to its continuing partnership with Irish Aid and the wider Government to ensure Irish International NGOs continue to do what they do best, to reach the furthest behind first and to be on the ground as ambassadors of Ireland’s global solidarity during this exceptional time.