Ireland must push EU States to reverse aid cuts
- Potential job loses in GOAL deeply concerning
Labour foreign affairs spokesperson Duncan Smith TD has called on Government to work with EU partners to reverse cuts to international aid funding.
Deputy Smith said at a time where more than 120 million people are displaced worldwide, now more than ever, aid organisations must be supported.
Deputy Smith said:
“The potential job loses at GOAL are deeply concerning for the workers involved and point to a sad state of international affairs as we have seen some EU Member States withdraw supports for the most vulnerable across our planet.
“Ireland must use every political and diplomatic lever available to pressure EU partner states to reverse these aid cuts.
“The drive to re-arm Europe seems to be coming at the expense of International Aid obligations. This is immoral.
“Ireland has not cut international aid and even though there are commitments to increase defence spending, this is not coming at the expense of helping the world’s poorest nations and most vulnerable citizens.
“The pausing all international aid by the US has had a chilling impact on aid organisations, as well as impacting a myriad of international programs as diverse as HIV treatment to drought warning.
“As the death toll of the devastating earthquake in Myanmar reachers over 1,000, it is a terrible but timely reminder of the vital work that aid organisations carry out worldwide.
“The potential job losses at GOAL will be replicated across many other Irish and international organisations unless the world’s richest nations reverse their cuts. Ireland must lead this call.”