Decentralisation ‘could harm Irish overseas aid scheme’

Fine Gael has claimed that Ireland's overseas aid programme is being threatened by the decentralisation process.

Party spokesman Bernard Allen claimed today that the future of the programme was at risk because 80% of staff at Development Co-operation Ireland were unwilling to move to new locations outside Dublin.

DCI is the Government's programme of assistance to developing countries.

Mr Allen said the likelihood of it losing key staff and expertise was putting the efficiency of the overseas aid programme in serious jeopardy.