“The historical roots of Ireland’s Aid programme lie in the remarkable work which has been carried out over many years by Irish missionaries”.
- Ireland Aid Review 2002

Irish Aid recognises the contribution of Irish missionaries, who have tirelessly worked in the world’s poorest countries for over a century.  Today, these efforts continue with Irish missionaries working to alleviate poverty and suffering in developing countries. They are engaged in projects and programmes in a variety of areas, including education, health care, humanitarian relief and conflict resolution.

To support this invaluable work, Irish Aid provided Misean Cara (formerly known as the Irish Missionary Resource Service) with €20 million in 2008, this is a significant increase from €16million in 2007.

Misean Cara is an umbrella group of 82 individual Catholic missionary organisations.  Established in 2004, Misean Cara administers this Government funding and ensures, along with its members, that it is used to maximise its impact on poverty reduction. 

The Irish Aid funding provides vital support to over 700 missionaries engaged in frontline work throughout the developing world.  It assists missionary organisations in continuing all facets of their development work, while they strengthen the ability and capacity of their members in all countries to respond to the constantly emerging new challenges.   

Irish Aid is committed to continuing its support to Misean Cara membership into the future.

For further information, see www.miseancara.ie