More overseas aid cuts will tarnish our reputation

AS the Government prepares its mini-budget I would like to raise the issue of possible further cuts to Ireland’s overseas aid budget.

Firstly, let me say Trócaire fully understands and appreciates the gravity of the situation currently facing the economy and accepts that all sections of Irish society need to contribute to getting through these tough times.

However, we also believe fairness must be practised by the Government when deciding where to cut its expenditure. Ireland’s overseas aid budget has been cut by a total of e155 million since July last year; this represents 17% of what the Government predicted it would spend on aid in 2009 (e891m).