Despite this promise, Ireland’s overseas aid budget has been cut by €222 million, a cut of 24%. We are now in real danger of breaking our promise.
These cuts drastically affect the lives and livelihoods of many vulnerable people around the world and the cuts are already having an impact.
Even in these difficult times, we don’t care any less about people living in poverty around the world. We must honour our commitment to reach 0.7% by 2012.
Please send the message below to our Government, calling on them to keep Ireland’s aid promise.
Brian Lenihan
Minister for Finance
Government Buildings
Upper Merrion Street
Dublin 2
Dear Minister,
It is four years since Ireland recommitted to achieving the UN target of spending 0.7% of our national income on overseas aid by 2012. This aid provides much needed support to some of the poorest people in the world, ensuring they have access to water, food, healthcare and an education. Achieving the commitment will be something we can be proud of.
Since last year, however, the Government has chosen the aid programme for the heaviest of cuts – reducing Ireland’s aid to poor countries by a quarter. This is already having a devastating impact on the lives of the most vulnerable people, those who have done least to cause the current economic crisis. These cuts have moved us away from achieving our aid target.
I urge you to ensure Ireland gets back on track to meet its aid promise by 2012.
