Dublin, 6th October 2026- World Vision Ireland has welcomed the Government's decision to increase Official Development Assistance (ODA) by €14 million in Budget 2027, while warning that greater investment will be needed to respond to rapidly growing humanitarian and development needs around the world.
The budget announcement comes at a time when global need is at record levels, with 239 million people requiring humanitarian assistance and 266 million people experiencing acute food insecurity. Children are disproportionately affected, facing increased risks of hunger, disrupted education and exploitation.
While the increase in funding is a positive step, World Vision Ireland believes Ireland must maintain a clear pathway towards meeting its longstanding commitment to allocate 0.7% of GNI to overseas development assistance by 2030.
Responding to the budget announcement, World Vision Ireland CEO Gillian Barnett said:
"We welcome the additional investment in overseas aid announced in Budget 2027. At a time when millions of children are facing hunger, conflict, displacement and climate-related crises, this funding will help support vulnerable families and communities around the world."
She added:
"However, given the scale of global need, we had hoped to see a greater level of ambition. Ireland has built a well-earned reputation as a global leader in international development, and it is important that we continue to make progress towards our commitment to spend 0.7% of GNI on overseas development assistance.
Development assistance is one of the most effective investments Ireland can make. It saves lives, protects children, strengthens communities and contributes to a safer and more secure world. Continued investment will be essential if we are to respond to growing humanitarian needs and ensure vulnerable children are not left behind."
World Vision Ireland remains committed to working with Irish Aid and Government partners to ensure children remain at the centre of humanitarian and development policy and to strengthen investments in hunger, nutrition, climate resilience and humanitarian response.
ENDS
NOTES TO THE EDITOR
Media interviews are available with Gillian Barnett, CEO of World Vision Ireland, and other World Vision representatives. To arrange an interview, please contact Róisín Drayne at roisin.drayne@worldvision.ie.
About World Vision
World Vision is a global Christian relief, development and advocacy organisation dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. World Vision carries out lifesaving humanitarian efforts with investments from numerous partners, including institutional donors, faith-based organisations, corporations and governments. For more information, please visit www.worldvision.ie.