Power Appoints New 'Hunger Envoy'

Minister Power signalled that the eradication of hunger will become a cornerstone of the Irish Aid programme. 

He also announced his intention that Ireland will take a leadership role internationally on the hunger issue.

The Minister of State endorsed the thrust of the report and its three priority areas which are; increasing smallholder agricultural productivity in Africa; targeting maternal and infant under-nutrition and working to ensure that governments internationally fulfil their commitments to eradicate hunger

The Minister also announced the appointment of Kevin Farrell, formerly of the World Food programme (WFP), as Special Envoy for Hunger to oversee Ireland's response to the global hunger crisis. 

The appointment of an Envoy was one of the key recommendations of the Hunger Task Force.

As Hunger Envoy, Kevin Farrell will promote and assist efforts at national, regional and international levels to reduce hunger and food insecurity and meet the Millennium Development Goal to halve global hunger levels by 2015. 

Minister Power stated that the Special Envoy has been tasked to ensure that efforts to address hunger are implemented effectively across the Irish Aid programme, in line with the broad recommendations of the Hunger Task Force. 

He went on to say: "He has a well-deserved reputation, both nationally and internationally, with an established track record on hunger, particularly in Africa. 

"As Envoy he will be a strong voice for those denied the basic right to food.

"We will use Kevin's enormous experience to drive forward the work of the Hunger Task Force report and to identify other initiatives to help tackle this scourge".

Commenting in advance on the response to the Hunger Task Force Report, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin T.D. stated: "It is a fundamental human right that people have enough food to eat and a sustainable livelihood. 

"The devastation caused by hunger and food insecurity is instinctively understood in Ireland, for historical reasons. 

"We have taken a lead in highlighting these issues internationally. 

"The steps announced today will ensure that the struggle against hunger is at the heart of our overseas aid programme and of our broader foreign policy objectives in the years to come".