The Department of Foreign Affairs says Ireland will increase overseas aid within the lifetime of this government.
In a world where 1.3 billion people live on less than one dollar a day, the United Nations states that developed countries must spend 0.7 per cent of their GNP on overseas aid.
Ireland spends 0.31 per cent, and this is administered by government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), charities and religious and community groups.
This year, Ireland will contribute two hundred million pounds in developmental and humanitarian aid. Critics argue that this is still well short of funding levels recommended by the United Nations.
At an event today, Junior Minister for Foreign Affairs Liz O'Donnell announced an increase in Ireland’s overseas aid budget. The AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) epidemic is a particularly pressing issue, as it has the capacity to,
Unravel all of the development that has been achieved over the last twenty five years in Africa.
Ireland should continue to strive towards that UN target, says deputy chief executive of Concern Paddy Maguinness, because we can afford it.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 19 July 2000. The reporter is Tony Connelly.
