Sinn Féin’s Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Diaspora, Seán Crowe TD, welcomed the launch of the Government’s new Policy Paper on Irish Aid today, which details the plans and priorities for Irish Aid until 2016.The new policy document is entitled One World, One Future: Ireland’s Policy for International Development.

The review began in 2012 by an appointed Expert Advisory Group and Sinn Féin sent a written submission to the Group detailing its positions.

Deputy Crowe said:

“Since the first Irish Aid White Paper was launched in 2006, Ireland and the world has changed dramatically and it was clear that we needed a Review of the 2006 White Paper.

“In this new policy document the Government outlines that its main focus will be on three goals: reduced hunger, sustainable development and inclusive economic growth, and better governance, human rights and accountability.

“I welcome the focus of Irish Aid on these core development issues, however there must be a holistic, all-party, all-Government approach to them, and the focus must be on the core drivers and institutional causes of hunger, poverty, inequality and repression.

“Land grabbing, tax injustice, misuse of national resources, bio-fuels, underemployment, civil society repression, and climate change are just some key causes of hunger, poverty, inequality, and repression that must be tackled.

“Today Ireland is facing its own increase in levels of impoverishment and inequality, and transparency at home and abroad is essential for the Irish Aid programme. Irish Aid is the peoples overseas aid programme and it is important for Irish people to see where and how their aid money is being spent, as well as the results that it is achieving.

“Sinn Féin will be reviewing and analysing the policy document in more detail and discussing it with Irish civil society and NGO groups over the coming days and weeks.”

ENDS