Aid pledge needs binding legislation

IN his column (Irish Examiner, September 16), Pat Brosnan highlighted the Irish public’s worry that our Government will renege on its new promise to meet the 0.7% target for overseas aid.

No one can blame the Irish people for such legitimate concerns, as the Taoiseach’s promise to the world’s poorest communities was shamefully broken once already.

To restore the faith of the Irish people, and to guarantee that this new pledge to 2012 is truly credible, Christian Aid is calling on the Government to publish binding legislation that will safeguard these important commitments until they are fulfilled.

Last week the UN summit watered down pledges on key development issues, including aid and trade, leaving the poor behind as world leaders postured and defended their own interests. Let Ireland be different. Now is the time for us to lead by example and improve the lives of millions living in extreme poverty.

Niamh Nic Cárthaigh

Communications & Media Officer

Christian Aid

17 Clanwilliam Terrace

Dublin 2