Govt urged to meet aid target by 2010

The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, is coming under fresh pressure to set a new date for honouring Ireland's promise on overseas aid.

The Government promised five years ago that it would spend 0.7% of Ireland's GNP on overseas aid by 2007, in line with the UN's Millenium Goals programme.

However it has since reneged on this target.

Dochas, an association of Irish NGOs now wants the Government fulfil its promise by 2010.

The Taoiseach is due to meet with other world leaders in New York in two weeks time to review progress of the 'Millenium Goals' targets.