Christian Aid to highlight aid shortfall

Christian Aid supporters will be handing in unusual pre-budget submissions at Government Buildings tomorrow: personal cheques for the Taoiseach.

Supporters of the aid agency will be handing in €30 cheques, representing their share of the shortfall in overseas aid for 2005.

Lesley Whiteside from Kilucan, Co. Westmeath said "We believe Ireland should keep its promise to the world's poor and we are happy to play our part."

Christian Aid policy officer Oisin Coghlan commented: "Budget Day is also World Aids Day. 8,000 people will die from HIV and another 14,000 will become infected and the same the next day and the next day.

"Lives are at stake and overseas aid can help. But it's about more than money, it's about keeping our word to the world's most vulnerable people."