Extra €1m for Niger, says Coughlan

A special contribution of €1 million to the World Food Programme to provide food aid to people affected by famine in Niger and west Africa has been announced by Agriculture and Food Minister Mary Coughlan.

The contribution is on top of the €1 million already announced by the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Minister Coughlan said the food crisis affecting several countries in west Africa demands immediate and co-ordinated action by the international community. She praised the efforts of Irish NGOs who were among the first into the field.