“I believe our aid programme is a practical expression of the values that help define what it means to be Irish at the beginning of the 21st century. It represents our sense of broader social concern and our obligation to those with whom we share our humanity. Every day of the week, Irish people, through the aid programme, are providing the human and financial resources to uphold that vision.”
-Taoiseach Bertie Ahern
(Speaking at the launch of White Paper on Irish Aid)

The first ever White Paper on Irish Aid was launched 18th September 2006.

The White Paper is a clear statement of Government policy in the area of overseas aid. It describes why, how and where the Government will spend significant amounts of taxpayers’ money to help some of the poorest and most vulnerable people in the world.

Reaching the 0.7% of GNP target of expenditure on overseas aid will mean spending in the order of €1.5 billion annually by 2012. The White Paper sets out the blueprint for that expenditure into the future.

It reflects the principles and practice that have guided our work to date and sets out innovative ideas and policy directions for the future. It states clearly the key principles that underpin all of Irish Aid’s work:

• A strong focus on poverty reduction, with a geographic focus on Africa; 

• A commitment to work in partnership with developing countries;

• Ensuring that our efforts are sustainable in the long term;

• A clear commitment to keeping our aid completely untied.

The publication of the White Paper on Irish Aid follows an extensive consultation process with Irish NGOs, international organisations and directly with the Irish public through a series of town hall meetings around the country.

Within this approach, the key social sectors, including health, education and the fight against HIV/AIDS will remain at the centre of the programme. The publication of this White Paper comes at a critical period of expansion for the aid programme, increases in spending demand that we plan carefully for the future.

The White Paper outlines key principles that will guide the expansion of the government's aid programme up until 2012.

In addition it announces some new areas of focus and initiatives to allow for greater and active participation by the Irish public;
  
• Malawi is to become Ireland's ninth partner country.

• A new Rapid Response Initiative will include a roster of highly-skilled individuals from Ireland for deployment at short notice to emergency situations and disasters as they occur. 

• A dedicated Unit for Conflict Analysis and Resolution will be established at the Department of Foreign Affairs to share Ireland's experience and knowledge of conflict resolution and peace-building.

• A Hunger Task Force will be set up, drawing on public and private sector expertise to tackle the root causes of food insecurity, particularly in Africa.

• In 2007, the government will open an Information and Volunteering Centre to facilitate those wishing to volunteer to work in the developing world.

Last updated: 13/02/07