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Irish Aid is the Government of Ireland’s programme of assistance to the poorest people in the world. It is Ireland’s contribution to the fight against global poverty and a practical expression of our values as a nation. The Irish Aid programme is delivering €639 million for poverty reduction in 2012.

The White Paper on Irish Aid was published in September 2006. A statement of Government policy, the White Paper places the fight against world poverty at the heart of Ireland’s foreign policy and sets out the guiding principles of the aid programme.

A review of the White Paper on Irish Aid was announced in June 2011, following a commitment set down in the current Programme for Government. The review is looking at the progress made by Irish Aid, and the changing national and international context. It will help to shape the policy direction for the coming years.

The review is being led by the Minister of State for Trade and Development at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr. Joe Costello TD. Independent oversight is being provided by the Irish Aid Expert Advisory Group. The review will consist of a broad consultation with all key stakeholders, including the general public, civil society, partner countries, the private sector and the Oireachtas.

Download the consultation paper here.

Click here for the latest news on the review of the White Paper on Irish Aid.