Irish Aid And Red Cross Enter Into A New Partnership

"Under this partnership Irish Aid is strengthening and deepening our strategic relationship with the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

"Irish Aid will provide €6 million over two years to the International Federation, one of our most important partners in responding to humanitarian crises," said Minister Kitt.

Irish Aid's support will focus on the work of the Red Cross in the sometimes neglected West and Central Africa region - countries like Sierra Leone, Liberia, Chad and Niger.

"Part of the funding will also be directed to the International Federation's Disaster Relief Emergency Fund, a funding pool available for immediate access by national Red Cross and Crescent Societies in responding to emergencies. In addition, a new element of this agreement is funding of the overseas work of the Irish Red Cross.

"I am not only delighted but also honoured by the unfailing and increasing support and trust in the work of the International Federation displayed by Irish Aid," noted International Federation Secretary General Markku Niskala.  "This is the third renewal of our agreement since 2002 but Irish Aid has also consistently contributed to many appeals for more than a decade.

"These funds give the Federation considerable additional resources to fulfil its mandate of alleviating human suffering, both in emergency situations and in long-term crises, in particular in West and Central Africa.

"We have found a true and staunch humanitarian partner in Irish Aid."

"I am also particularly pleased that a part of this funding will support the expanded international operations of the Irish Red Cross. Their staff and volunteers live out and express our humanitarian ideals, every day, to the fullest, whether at home or abroad and I salute them," he added.