Richard Bruton
Ceist:43. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if overseas development programmes have been hampered by the Covid-19 virus; and if unspent money can be carried forward. [37952/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 26 November 2020
Ceisteanna (43)
Freagraí scríofa
All countries have been affected by COVID-19, with low-income countries particularly impacted by the need to deal with multiple challenges simultaneously. Ireland, in responding to the global impact of the pandemic, has prioritised use of the international development programme to reduce the incidence of the virus and mitigate its secondary impacts. This is line with Ireland’s commitment to reaching the furthest behind first, as set out in our international development policy, A Better World.
Working with a variety of partners – including the WHO, other UN agencies, NGOs and partner countries - Ireland has continued to deliver development programmes and humanitarian response throughout the pandemic. Where programmes have been affected, we work with partners on a case-by-case basis to offer reasonable adjustments. We have provided partners with flexibility, including to reallocate a limited percentage of the grant to respond to emerging local issues. Partners are also able to apply for a no-cost extension to enable unspent funds to be carried forward.
To date, Ireland has allocated over €140 million to the global COVID-19 response, providing over €50 million to enable our partners respond directly to COVID-19 on the ground, as well as fast-tracking roughly €90 million of other funding to partners to help them to mitigate the socio-economic impacts of the pandemic.