Sir, - I wish to refer to John O'Shea's letter, published on March 4th, concerning Irish Development Cooperation assistance. The establishment of a humanitarian liaison group and a rapid response register will contribute to the most effective possible response to humanitarian crises in developing countries by all concerned in Ireland, including Government, NGOs and others.
The Government's support for projects implemented by Irish non-governmental organisations (NGOs) has increased significantly in recent years, both in absolute terms and as a percentage of our expanding aid programme. In the period 1992-95, the level of support increased from £3.3 million (8.4 per cent of the total aid programme) to £11.6 million (12 per cent of total aid). In the case of GOAL, the growth in the level of support has been particularly strong: from £315,000 in 1992 to £1,607,000 in 1996.
Ireland's direct contributions to UN voluntary agencies will this year amount to £7.5 million of the Irish aid total of £122 million and includes substantial funding for the UNHCR and UNICEF. The bulk of Irish aid money goes to sub-Saharan African countries, such as Ethiopia, Mozambique and Tanzania. These are among the poorest in the world and benefit from Irish aid programmes in health, education, water and sanitation.
Minister Burton has visited Irish NGOs in the field on many occasions, and has taken every opportunity to praise the exceptional commitment and professionalism of the Irish people who work with them. - Yours, etc.
Press councillor, Department of Foreign Affairs, Dublin 2.