Oxfam disappointed with Govt overseas aid promise

The aid agency Oxfam has expressed disappointment with the Government's latest target date for honouring its commitments on overseas aid.

The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, announced to the UN last night that Ireland would spend 0.7% of GNP on overseas aid by 2012.

Mr Ahern had promised five years ago to meet this target by 2007, but the Government reneged on the promise last year, claiming it would damage the economy.

Trócaire and Concern have welcomed the new target date, but Oxfam said the aid commitment should be honoured by 2010 at the latest.

It also said it wanted legislative measures to ensure that the Government actually honours its promise this time around.