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Media Statement, 4th February 2009
GOAL greeted the announcement of the cut of €95million in
overseas aid with a mixture of relief and foreboding.
John O’Shea, CEO said, “given that GOAL has been forced
to take some drastic action in recent months in terms of the closedown
of some humanitarian projects in Africa, we are pleased that substantial
funding has been pledged by DFA.
“However, on the global front we are disappointed that €95million
less will flow to the Developing World this year.
“We would hope that the Government will not reduce funding
to organisations or institutions with a proven track record of reaching
the poorest of the poor.
“Rather the cuts should fall on African regimes that have
failed to deliver and have been guilty of human rights abuses against
their own people”.
The aid official also believes that the Government should not reduce
the budget for Emergencies. “With the world economic situation
in turmoil, it’s certain emergencies, catastrophes and the
like will become more frequent in the Developing World over the
next year or so.
“It is imperative that Irish implementing agencies are funded
properly to respond to these situations”.
ENDS
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