Minister Brophy announces additional €2.7 million in Irish Aid Funding for Irish NGOs in 2021
Press release
17 December 2020Minister of State for Overseas Development Aid and the Diaspora, Mr. Colm Brophy, T.D. today announced additional Irish Aid funding for Irish non-governmental organisations in 2021, in support of their work with the world’s most vulnerable during the COVID19 crisis.
Speaking today at an online event with Irish and international development NGOs who work with Irish Aid to discuss the impact of COVID on overseas development cooperation and civil society space, Minister Brophy said:
“Our NGO partners have today highlighted the bleak outlook faced by the world’s poorest communities. Many do not have access to clean water and basic health services. Many are hungry. Millions of children are out of school and many of them, especially girls, may never return. Our funding to civil society partners through the Irish Aid programme brings hope and renewed opportunities. It reflects the Irish people’s long-standing solidarity and desire to help those in need, of which we can be proud.
Minister Brophy added:
The poorest communities around the world are struggling to adapt to the COVID19 pandemic – both the alarming health crisis and its devastating impact on incomes and education. Today, I am announcing an additional €2.7 million to our civil society partners for 2021. This funding will support their work with vulnerable communities overseas to facilitate health and hygiene messaging, short-term social protection payments, support online education and maintain food supply chains.”
The additional funding will be provided through existing partnerships with non-governmental organisations for their humanitarian relief for those in protracted crises and conflicts, as well as long-term support to health, agriculture, education and gender equality programmes across over 50 countries. In 2021, over €100 million will be provided for these programmes.
ENDS
PRESS OFFICE
18 DECEMBER 2020
Notes for Editors
Irish Aid is the Government’s overseas aid programme. It is managed by the Development Cooperation and Africa Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs. For further information see www.irishaid.ie
Amongst OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) members, Ireland has among the highest proportion of bilateral Overseas Development Assistance channelled through and to Civil Society Organisations.
The programmes referenced include three competitive Irish Aid grant programmes: the Programme Grant, the Civil Society Fund, and the Emergency Response Fund Scheme.
