Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 June 2019
117. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which Irish aid continues to find its intended target in the various trouble spots globally with particular reference to ensuring maximum beneficial effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25578/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland's new development policy, A Better World, sets out the clear commitment of the Government to reach the furthest behind first.
One of the core aspects of this policy is reducing humanitarian need, focused on providing vital humanitarian assistance to those in greatest need around the world. A recent study by the ODI, a leading development think-tank, highlighted Ireland as the most effective international donor in directing resources to those in greatest need.
Ireland works with a variety of partners in order to reach those in greatest humanitarian need around the world. We are committed to the multilateral system, and are one of the top ten donors to the UN's Central Emergency Response Fund - a global fund which ensures a rapid, coordinated response to the most significant global crises. We engage closely with the UN's Office of the Coordinator for Humanitarian Assistance, and are currently chair of OCHA's Donor Support Group.
Ireland strongly supports the Red Cross Movement, and in 2018 concluded a three year MOU to provide core, unearmarked funding to the ICRC. This will allow the ICRC to conduct vital work in some of the most difficult and protracted crises around the world. In June Ireland became co-chair of ICRC's donor support group (a role shared with the ICRC itself) for a one year term.
Ireland also delivers humanitarian assistance through our NGO partners through the Humanitarian Programme Plan (HPP). Under this Plan, Ireland provides multi-annual funding to support partners’ responses in protracted and predictable crises.
