Disproportionate cut in ODA commitments callous, curel and brutal
Issued : Tuesday 7 April, 2009
Today’s budget has seen, for the fourth time since the start of the current financial crisis, a slashing of Ireland’s overseas aid budget. This budget, which is used to assist the poorest of the poor across the world, was cut by €45 million in July 2008, another €15 million in October last year, and by €95 million in February 2009. Today has seen another €100 million taken off the budget, and the cut represents a cut of 21.8% in the projected spend for the year 2009.
Michael D Higgins TD, Labour Party Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs, said: “These cuts, which are callously unfair and regressive, will have a shattering effect in the developing world. It is no exaggeration to say that they will cost lives. The cuts inflicted on this most vulnerable of sectors by Minister Lenihan are utterly disproportionate and, sadly, leave in tatters what little is left of our reputation.
“The government could, today, for a relatively small amount of money, have honoured its commitments and sent a very positive message and give a lead to our European colleagues. This opportunity was lost at what will I fear prove to be a prohibitively, and fatally, high cost for those in the greatest need.
“What is at stake is survival for those to whom the programmes are directed. Already, be it in terms of food security, health, trade or basic employment, the poorest countries have carried the brunt of the current world recession. The grim truth of today’s acts is that vital programmes providing clean water, health care, food and support to victims of disasters will now have to be cut.”
“Making the poorest of the world pay for the economic mismanagement of what was a booming economy is callous, cruel and brutal beyond belief, and marks a very dark day indeed for Irish Foreign Affairs and international aid.”
