Concern welcomes Overseas Development Assistance increase in Budget 2023

Press release27 September 2022

Concern logistics advisor Paula Donohoe checking part of an aid consignment, funded by Irish Aid, after it arrived in Khartoum, Sudan, in 2020. The aid was distributed, as part of a Concern emergency operation, to refugees who had crossed the border from Ethiopia. Photo: Concern Worldwide

Concern Worldwide welcomes the increase in overseas development assistance (ODA), announced in today’s budget which brings international development assistance to its highest ever level of €1.22 billion.

“While the months ahead will be challenging for all, including here in Ireland, this increase reflects the continued and critical support of Irish people for communities caught up with the devastating impacts of climate change, increasing conflict, and rising food prices which have pushed millions to the brink of starvation,” said Dominic MacSorley, Chief Executive Concern Worldwide.

The additional €30 million allocation for Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya (Horn of Africa) are particularly welcomed at a time of severe hunger, and projections of famine in Somalia.

“We are in an era of mega crises which are driving global humanitarian needs to unprecedented levels; 100 million people been forcibly displaced, the highest number since World War II and a staggering 225 million are in urgent need of immediate humanitarian assistance,” added Mr MacSorley.

“Ireland is among the 20 largest public donors of humanitarian assistance and is known as a highly effective, responsive donor, but the scale of needs means that we need other international donors to step up.”

For media queries contact Eamon Timmins, Media Relations Manager, Concern Worldwide, at Eamon.timmins@concern.net or 087 9880524