Mercy Global Concern - 2006

Mercy Global Concern: Report Number 1, December 2006

Press releases: Irish Aid - overseas aid budget and UN cooperation Irish Aid
6 and 7 December

[Mods note: The world's richest countries made a commitment 36 years ago to giving 0.7 per cent of their Gross National Income (GNI) to overseas aid. According to the UNICEF UK, only five of the world's richest countries are fulfilling their promise and meeting this target – Denmark, Norway, Netherlands, Luxembourg and Sweden. However, France, Ireland, Finland, Spain and Belgium have all set a clear timetable for reaching this target soon.]

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1) Minister Lenihan considerable increase in overseas aid in budget - 21% increase in overseas aid
6 December 2006

Conor Lenihan TD, Minister of State for Irish Aid, this afternoon warmly welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Finance of a 128.2m increase in the budget for the Irish Aid in 2007.

"The increases announced this afternoon will allow Irish Aid to expand its programme in key areas in 2007, such as our response to international emergencies, the fight against HIV/AIDS and the core areas of health and education" said Minister Lenihan.

"The increase ensures that Ireland continues to be one of the most generous donors in terms of our rate of contribution as a percentage of GNP."

"Today's allocation will ensure that we meet our target for 2007 of Official Development Assistance at 0.5% of GDP. The Government is clearly on course to fulfill its pledge to reach 0.7% of GDP by 2012."

Note to editors:

Irish Aid's Vote 29 (International Cooperation) is 728m for 2007 - an increase of 128.2m or 21% on the 2006 vote. A further 85 million is allocated through other government departments, bringing a total allocation in 2007 for Official Development Assistance (ODA) of 813 million.

In 2007 Irish Aid will increase its emergency budget line by 50% from 60 million to 90 million. This will substantially enhance Ireland's level of response to humanitarian emergencies globally.

Following the renewal of the Government's partnership with the Clinton Foundation in September, support under the Foundation partnership for Mozambique and Lesotho will increase to 16 million in 2007.

Online at: http://www.irishaid.gov.ie/latest_news.asp?article=907

2) Irish Aid Minister reviews cooperation with UN agencies
7 December 2006

Minister of State for Irish Aid, Conor Lenihan TD, visits the United Nation's Headquarters today to review Irish Aid cooperation with UN agencies and on-going reforms within the UN system. His visit is timed to coincide with the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) international donors' pledging conference for 2007, taking place in New York today.

Minister Lenihan will meet with Under Secretary Jan Egeland, who has overall responsibility for UN Emergency Relief and Humanitarian Affairs. Ireland is doubling its contribution to the CERF in 2007 (20 million). The Under Secretary-General will update Minister Lenihan on critical humanitarian emergencies, including Darfur. The CERF has helped save lives and alleviate the suffering of millions of people caught in the throes of conflict or affected by natural hazards.

Minister Lenihan will meet with the Executive Directors of UNICEF and the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) to discuss Ireland's cooperation with these agencies and progress on UN reform. He will also meet with senior officials from the UN Development Programme (UNDP).

The Minister of State will attend a major address by out-going Secretary General, Kofi Annan, to mark International Human Rights Day on Friday.

Online at: http://www.irishaid.gov.ie/latest_news.asp?article=908

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