Minister Conor Lenihan welcomes huge public interest in White Paper on Irish Aid

Over 31,000 people have downloaded the White Paper on Irish Aid since its launch in September. Over 3000 copies of the report have been distributed by Irish Aid.

Speaking ahead of today's Dáil debate on the White Paper on Irish Aid, Minister of State Conor Lenihan TD, said “I am delighted by the huge well-spring of both public support and interest in Irish Aid.”

Addressing the Dáil, Minister Lenihan said that with the growing budget for overseas development (€734 million this year), there is an even greater need for awareness and oversight by the public of the programme.

Addressing the issue of aid effectiveness and good governance, the Minister of State said “let me make it clear that we will not tolerate corruption or, more seriously, non-compliance with basic human-rights in the countries in which we and our partners operate”.

Minister Lenihan outlined to the Dáil progress on the implementation of the White Paper. Arrangements for the establishment of the Rapid Response Initiative, a Hunger Task Force and an Irish Aid Information and Volunteer Centre are progressing well.

The White Paper is available in Irish and English at www.irishaid.gov.ie.
 
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02 November 2006
Press Office