Sign up to The Irish Times Archive (1859 - 2008)My Account »

Despite high-profile Government promises on overseas aid, agencies are suffering from significant cuts in their budgets. How will this undermine their work, and our reputation on aid?

ON THE eve of budget day last October, RTÉ conducted a vox pop on the streets of Dublin asking passers-by their views on what the Government should cut or keep. The first person interviewed was a young man, most likely in his 20s. His answer was swift and unequivocal – cut overseas aid. Those watching from the development sector winced. The following day the Government announced a reduction of some €15 million to the overseas development assistance (ODA) budget. Aid agencies protested, but many privately admitted the damage could have been much worse given the circumstances.