Dóchas responds to Budget 2026

Dóchas says more could have been done to help those who are facing the gravest humanitarian crises in the world and who are suffering the worst effects of hunger, conflict and climate. 

At a time when more than 300 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance and protection, and a record 120 million people are displaced, the Government announced an increase of €30 million for Official Development Assistance in the Budget. Whilst this is welcome, it does not go far enough. More is needed to get Ireland on track to reach 0.7% of GNI spent overseas by 2030 - a commitment set out in the Programme For Government. It is a missed opportunity. 

As the devastating impact of the aid cuts by the US, UK and other European countries becomes more evident, hunger, violence and death from preventable illnesses is increasing. Decades of progress to eradicate poverty is being reversed. Ireland’s leadership in this time of global crisis is more important than ever.  An incremental increase in the Budget does not go far enough. 

CEO Jane-Ann McKenna said: 

At a time when so many other countries are cutting their budgets, we are glad the Irish Government  increased ours. However a lot more could have been done.

We are seeing devastating humanitarian crises in Gaza and Sudan, and areas of the Sahel and Southern Africa are beset by food insecurity, flooding and conflict. We need Ireland to uphold its commitment to reach 0.7% on ODA overseas. Today’s announcement does not put us on course to achieve this.

Ireland rightly enjoys a reputation as a champion of overseas aid for the most vulnerable people, the poorest and those left furthest behind. But we are not going in the right direction in translating words into action, and increasing our funding.