Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 April 2025
238. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the loss of funding for an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21160/25]
View answerI and officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade have maintained regular and close contact with the main Irish development NGOs on the impact of cutbacks in Official Development Assistance by USAID and by a number of other major donors. I have emphasised that the Government remains firmly committed to Ireland’s international development programme and to its overriding priority, to reach the furthest behind first.
Through the Department, the Government provides multiannual, predictable, and flexible funding of over €100 million annually to the main Irish development NGOs, to support their development and humanitarian work. We have emphasised, in response to the current situation, that our assistance will remain predictable and will be provided as flexibly as is possible. Last year, we provided a total of €6.1 million in funding to the organisation Self Help Africa, to support work including climate smart agriculture programmes in several African countries and important engagement with schools across the island of Ireland. A similar level of funding will be provided for 2025.
