Irish spending on overseas aid – Hannigan seeks the public’s view
Issued : Monday 8 March, 2010
Should Irish aid money be given to corrupt governments or those with poor human rights records? asks Labour Senator Dominic Hannigan.
The Meath Senator launched a survey this week into Irish attitudes to foreign aid.
“We are generous when it comes to foreign aid and helping disaster areas like Haiti. But considering the amount the Government spends on overseas aid, it is important that we hear from the public about whether people think that money is being well spent,” said Senator Hannigan.
His study includes a chance for the public to give their views on Irish Government spending on overseas aid. The survey asks challenging questions including seeking the public’s view on issues such as whether it is appropriate to donate money to countries that have undemocratic governments or poor human rights records.
“I am interested to get the public’s view on cuts to Irish aid and issues such as whether Irish money should be given to Governments who are known to be corrupt,” said Senator Hannigan.
“It is important that we take all shades of opinion into account. Our five minute survey is available on-line at
www.surveymonkey.com/s/GGSPQPP
We are encouraging people to complete is because we want to ensure the general public gets the chance to make their views known,” the Senator added.
Senator Hannigan is a member of the Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and the subcommittee on overseas development. His overseas aid study also involves interviews with ambassadors and non-governmental agencies
