State vows 20% of overseas aid budget will help fight hunger

THE Government yesterday said that it would stand by its target of ensuring that 20% of its overseas development aid budget would go towards tackling hunger.

Minister of State for Overseas Development Peter Power made the pledge in light of the publication on Ireland’s progress in implementing recommendations of the Hunger Task Force, written by Ireland’s special envoy for hunger Kevin Farrell.

But Mr Power accepted the overall budget for overseas development aid is falling, heightening concerns over future cuts in the December Budget.