Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) Ireland runs a politicians for development programme which has paid for a number of senators and TDs to travel to Africa in recent years.

THE Government’s decision to cut overseas financial aid by €222 million this year prompted a demonstration on the streets of Dublin yesterday by members of non-governmental aid agencies throughout Ireland.

AS someone working in the development sector, I am delighted that Wednesday’s Budget allocated €728 million for overseas development assistance (ODA) in 2007.

The Celtic Tiger, which has improved Irish life in innumerable ways, has also changed the way Irish people view their place in society.

Voluntary Services Overseas has appealed for professionals to volunteer to work in areas affected by the Asian tsunami, which happened this day last year.