Government’s official Aid programme is renamed ‘Irish Aid’

The Government's official Aid programme is to be renamed 'Irish Aid'. This change is to be effective from today. The programme which is administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs was previously known as 'Development Cooperation Ireland'.

Announcing the change Minister of State for Development Cooperation and Human Rights, Conor Lenihan TD said:

'Over the past year, I travelled all over Ireland listening to people's views on Ireland's role in overseas assistance.  This was part of the public consultation process in advance of the publication this year of Ireland's first ever White Paper on development cooperation.

One of the major themes arising at all of these meetings was that people wanted to know more about Ireland's achievements in the world's poorest countries.  There was a general acknowledgement that the name 'Development Cooperation Ireland' had gained little recognition.

'Irish Aid' is simple and straightforward; it explains what we do and is much easier to understand. Irish tax-payers will this year contribute over €730 million to helping some of the world's poorest countries, and they have a right to know how this is spent and to feel proud at what is being achieved on their behalf. 

More information on Irish Aid can be found at www.irishaid.gov.ie.

ENDS+++

27th February 2006