Ireland to boost ties with NGOs

The Irish government has pledged to strengthen its ties with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and missionaries working around the globe. In a statement released by the Irish embassy in Addis Ababa, the government said it wanted to bolster existing relations and offer more financial support. It stressed it was committed to helping “enhance” the impact of NGOs abroad. Ethiopia is one of five priority countries that Ireland is working in and the Irish government recently announced a major increase in funding for the coming years. Across the world, NGOs and missionary groups received more than Euros 40 million from the Irish government in 2001 which it says it will increase this year. The move follows a report by Ireland Aid – the government’s overseas development arm - which recommended a “significant” increase in financial support.