Express Your Shock at Irish Aid Budget Cuts   

Two weeks ago the government announced a cut of €95 million to the Irish Aid budget. The development sector reacted with shock and dismay at the cuts, which will hit the poorest people in the world at a time when they are struggling to survive the impacts of the recession. The cut is disproportionate, and comes on top of two previous budget cuts since July 2008. There is now some doubt over whether Ireland can reach its publicly-stated commitment to spend 0.7% of national income by 2012. You can take the following actions to express your outrage at these cuts:

• Write to the Minister for Finance, and to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, to express your shock at the government’s decision to cut ODA by this enormous and disproportionate amount.
  
• Write to, call or meet your local TDs, Senators and MEPS to ensure they also are aware of the level of shock that the government’s cut to the aid budget has provoked.
  
• Write to your local media on the issue explaining why you think it is important to sustain our national commitment to overseas development aid, and the 0.7% target, even in a time of recession.
  
• Share your story - Comhlámh members will shortly receive an email from us asking you to share your knowledge and experience of the vital work carried out overseas with us. Please respond and help us to advocate for the rights of the poorest and most vulnerable people.

Do have a look at the Dóchas website to read further information and facts on this issue, to help you write your letter:
http://www.dochas.ie/index.htm

And keep an eye on our website, we hope to be adding resources (such as a draft letter) to it over the coming weeks to help you to ensure Ireland sustains its commitment to developing countries.