Oxfam Ireland Media Reactive: Budget 2021

Responding to the announcement of Budget 2021, Chief Executive of Oxfam Ireland Jim Clarken said:

“We welcome the increase of €30 million in Official Development Assistance (ODA) in Budget 2021. It is very positive, that even in these most challenging of times, Ireland has chosen to demonstrate international solidarity with the most vulnerable communities around the globe. The world's poorest people are being hardest hit by the COVID-19 crisis as its economic fallout threatens to push half a billion more people into poverty. It has never been more important to continue to champion ODA.

“As indicated by Minister McGrath in his speech today, this commitment to overseas aid together with our seat on the UN Security Council will enhance and strengthen Ireland’s presence internationally.

"While we welcome Ireland's commitments globally, we also welcome the commitment at a national level regarding funding for Tusla in support of children and young people seeking international protection. We would urge the Government to use this funding to ensure the urgent relocation of the remaining 26 unaccompanied minors stranded on the Greek islands to Ireland as commited to in March.

"With the onset of COVID-19 undermining the global fight against poverty, inequality and the climate crisis, global support and solidarity has become more important than ever. In the COVID-19 response, we cannot say we are safe, until we’re all safe and we welcome the announcements within Budget 2021 today which spoke to this."

ENDS

Contact

Caroline Reid | caroline.reid@oxfam.org | +353 (0) 87 912 3165

Alice Dawson-Lyons | alice.dawsonlyons@oxfam.org | +353 (0) 83 198 1869

Notes to the Editor:

Oxfam Ireland spokespeople will be available for interviews, analysis and comment on a number of issues included in our Pre-Budget Submission.