Colm Brophy, T.D. appointed as Minister for Overseas Development Aid and Diaspora

Today Thursday 2 July, Minister Colm Brophy TD began his first day as Minister of State with responsibility for Ireland’s international aid programme and for the Irish diaspora. Speaking at Iveagh House, the headquarters of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Minister Brophy said:

‘Ireland’s international development programme, Irish Aid, is held in very high regard. I’m looking forward to working with civil society, with the European Union and the United Nations, as well as Irish Embassies and partners in Africa, Small Island States and elsewhere to help deliver the promise of ‘A Better World.’ Covid-19 reminds us of how our safety and development at home is linked to the safety and development of others abroad, and I want to work as Minister to ensure that Ireland plays a full role in the global response to the pandemic.’

Minister Brophy added:

“Strong Diaspora communities play a key role in helping to promote a positive awareness of Ireland, Irish culture and heritage around the world. My focus in the coming months and years will be to listen to, and to support, our Diaspora communities, particularly its most vulnerable members”

ENDS

PRESS OFFICE

02 JULY 2020

Notes to Editors

‘A Better World’ is Ireland’s policy for international development. Its focus is on gender equality, climate action, good governance and combatting poverty, as key priorities, and it emphasises our commitment to ‘leave no one behind.’
Ireland’s Offical Development Assistance was allocated €838 million in Budget 2020, up from €817 million in Budget 2019.
In May 2020, the OECD’s Development Assistance Committee published it’s latest peer review of Irish *Aid, Ireland’s international development programme. The report found Irish international development to be “strong, with many areas of excellence”, saying that Ireland “walks the talk” in prioritising the furthest behind.
This year the Government will spend €12.59m under the Emigrant Support Programme supporting a wide range of welfare, heritage, cultural and networking projects.

ENDS