The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Coveney TD, and Minister of State for Diaspora and International Development, Ciarán Cannon TD, will host a series of regional public consultation on Ireland’s new international development policy, starting in the City Hall in Cork on Thursday September 13 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm.
The public consultations will provide an opportunity for Irish citizens to input into Ireland’s new international development policy and have their say on how Ireland can contribute to building a more equal, peaceful and sustainable world.
Speaking ahead of the Cork consultation event, the Tánaiste said: “Ireland’s international development programme is recognised as one of the best in the world. Last year, it reached over 120 countries worldwide. Every year, thanks to the generosity of Irish people, millions worldwide were assisted in their journey out of poverty to better health, better education and better lives.
“I am committed to developing a new international development policy that supports an increased overseas aid budget. The new policy will allow us to refresh Ireland’s approach at a time when the world is changing fast. Building from what Ireland is good at, my objective is that Ireland can increase its capacity for action and influence, so as to make an even greater difference in helping people move on from poverty and disaster into peace and wellbeing. I’m inviting everyone to join me at the first regional meeting in Cork, and also at those which Ciarán Cannon and I will host over the coming weeks in Galway, Sligo, Limerick and Dublin, so that we can take part in this important conversation.”
Speaking about the other upcoming consultation events around the country, Minister Cannon said: “International development cooperation is an essential element of our foreign policy by which we project our values and show solidarity with people in need. Our new approach in this area will focus on a ‘Leave no one behind’ approach and in particular in reaching the furthest behind first, in line with Ireland’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals.
“This series of public consultations in Cork, Galway, Sligo, Limerick and Dublin offer an opportunity to bring Irish citizens into the discussion on development. It is a way to engage all of us on the global challenges facing Ireland and developing countries and on how Ireland can make a difference.
“But we need to hear from our fellow citizens, so that your insights, direction and thinking will help define and refine Ireland’s new policy in this area. I hope that as many people as possible will join us for these exchanges.”
