First Meeting of Inter-Departmental Committee for Development

Conor Lenihan TD, Minister of State for Irish Aid and Human Rights, today chaired the inaugural meeting of the Inter-Departmental Committee for Development.

In line with a key recommendation of the White Paper on Irish Aid, the Committee will strengthen coherence in the Government’s approach to overseas development. At the meeting, Minister Lenihan said:

“Policies across a range of Government Departments have a direct and indirect impact upon developing countries. I am confident that the Committee will ensure greater ‘joined-up’ action by Government and a more focused use of the expertise available across the public service to strengthen our growing overseas development programme.”

The new Committee comprises senior officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and other Government Departments. It will provide a formal mechanism to ensure that a strong development perspective is integrated into Government decision-making in relevant areas.  

It is intended that the Committee will meet six times per annum. Non-Governmental Organisations will be briefed following meetings to invite their views and comments.   

Note to editors:

Policies in areas such as agriculture, trade, investment and migration can have a profound impact on developing countries. The Inter-Departmental Committee will provide a forum for Departments to share their experiences, knowledge and skills with a view to strengthening their existing engagement and identifying new opportunities as appropriate, within the framework of the White Paper on Irish Aid.

Most Departments contribute to Ireland’s official aid programme (worth approximately €815 million in 2007). Often this is through engagement with multilateral organisations. For example the Department of Agriculture and Food provides considerable support to the UN’s World Food Programme.  

ENDS +++
12 April 2007
Press Office