GOAL welcomes Ireland’s Overseas Aid increase, a vital lifeline for millions of people

GOAL’s CEO, Siobhan Walsh, said: “Factors such as conflict, Covid-19 and climate change are increasing levels of humanitarian need around the world, and it is now more important than ever that Ireland shows solidarity with vulnerable communities. We welcome this year’s budget and Irish Aid’s continued commitment to poverty reduction, zero hunger, gender equality and climate action.”

Ms Walsh said that given the financial uncertainty due to the economic impact of Covid-19, it is commendable that the Irish Government has increased ODA, which supports life-changing and life-saving humanitarian and development programmes in GOAL’s 14 countries of operation.

“Ireland has a rich history in overseas aid and as a nation has typically stepped up when it comes to helping those most in need. The significant response to the recent earthquake in Haiti is testament to this. Furthermore, our seat on the United Nations Security Council is another indication of our global influence and is a great opportunity to grow our global contribution towards positive change.”

Ms Walsh said: “This increase in Overseas Development Aid is further indication of Ireland’s commitment to not only ‘leave no-one behind’, but to support those furthest behind, as reflected in Ireland’s Policy for International Development – ‘A Better World’.”

Ms Walsh continued: “Overseas Development Aid is a vital lifeline for the most vulnerable communities and enables people to meet their basic needs and move out of poverty. The Covid-19 pandemic has shown that crises can happen anywhere in the world, not just in the Global South. The main difference is that countries in the Global South are far less resilient to such shocks. It is encouraging to see this increase in ODA, so that organisations like GOAL can continue to build resilience in vulnerable communities where it is needed the most.”