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FOREWORD
Ireland’s development cooperation programme, which is managed by Irish Aid in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, is a practical expression of the core principles of our foreign policy, and of our values as a people. Ireland’s place in the world is defined by our commitment to justice, equality, human dignity and respect for human rights, and by our solidarity with those whose lives and futures are blighted by extreme poverty and hunger.
Time and again the Irish people have responded with great generosity to humanitarian disasters and emergencies. We saw this last year in the face of immense suffering following the devastating earthquake in Haiti and the terrible floods in Pakistan. This year, our aid programme, the Irish development agencies and individual people and communities across the country are responding to the desperate needs of families devastated by the crisis in the Horn of Africa, as a result of drought, instability and conflict.
We recognise the need to play our part in responding to emergencies and humanitarian crises. We also recognise our obligation to work with poor countries and communities to help them to take control of their destinies and bring about sustainable, long term change. The Government is committed to development cooperation, as a central part of Ireland’s foreign policy. Despite the serious challenges we face at home, we will strive to meet the targets we have agreed for Official Development Assistance (ODA). We are committed to the 0.7% of GNP target for ODA, and we will work to achieve it by 2015.
The theme of this Annual Report is that development assistance works. It delivers clear results in the lives of poor people and communities. Irish Aid is recognised internationally as a leader in making aid more effective. The Irish Aid programme is strongly focused on the fight against extreme poverty and hunger, and is heavily concentrated in some of the poorest countries of sub-Saharan Africa. We work in partnership with these countries so that we can have the maximum impact on poverty levels. In our interconnected world, it is in our common interest to do so.
Despite the challenges, progress is being made in Africa. Many countries previously mired in poverty and despair are experiencing economic growth. The Government will strengthen our engagement with Africa – development, political and economic. Over the coming year, we will review the White Paper on Irish Aid, taking account of the major developments and changes over the past five years, and consulting widely with the public, development non-governmental organisations, and our partners in the developing world. The review will ensure that we have a clear set of priorities for the years ahead, so that we can maximise Ireland’s contribution to the fight against poverty and hunger, and strengthen our partnership with the developing world.
Eamonn Gilmore,
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade
Jan O’Sullivan,
Minister of State for Trade and Overseas Development