Taoiseach opens overseas aid information centre

A new public information centre on Ireland’s overseas aid programme was today opened in Dublin by the Taoiseach.

The state-of-the-art Irish Aid Volunteering and Information Centre (IAVC) on O’Connell Street features interactive displays, temporary exhibitions and a workshop area.

Fifty school groups from across Ireland are to visit during the first half of 2008.

Mr Ahern said that he had seen the positive impact that Irish development aid, NGOs, missionaries and volunteers is having on healthcare, housing, education and the fight against HIV and AIDS.

“As our aid programme grows in the coming years, the centre will engage the public in this effort and on ways in which the individual can become involved,” he said.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern and Minister of State for Overseas Development Michael Kitt also attended the opening.

The Foreign Affairs Minister said the centre was a Government commitment to raise awareness of development issues and make information available on development-related volunteering.

Mr Kitt added: “The centre is a wonderful learning resource for teachers, school pupils, overseas development organisations, young people and the wider public.”

Visitors will be encouraged to think of ways in which they can make a personal contribution to development whether through volunteering, purchasing 'Fairtrade' products or taking steps towards sustainable living.

Detailed practical information on development-related volunteering, both in Ireland and abroad, will be available at interactive computer kiosks in the centre.

Irish Aid staff will be on hand to provide initial information, advice and briefing sessions for potential volunteers, in conjunction with Comhlamh and other organisations.

Events are planned around international days such as World AIDS day, Africa Day and International Human Rights Day.

The renovation of the centre was managed by the Office of Public Works (OPW).

Irish Aid is the Government’s overseas development programme which works with international agencies to tackle deprivation and inequality in the developing world.

Last year Ireland spent €815m in funding to more than 90 countries.