The Government announced this morning it is to contribute €1 million to the World Food Programme to provide food aid to people affected by famine in Niger and West Africa.
Minister for Agriculture and Food, Mary Coughlan said the crisis in the region demands "immediate and co-ordinated action by the international community".
The donation will primarily be used for buying food and providing logistics for the World Food Programme (WFP).
The money is in addition to €1 million that Ireland has already donated towards aid efforts in the region where several million people are at risk of starvation. This first donation is being mainly used to fund the activities of NGOs on the ground in West Africa.
WFP distributions are starting this week in the areas of Niger most affected by the food crisis and WFP is distributing more than 4200 tonnes of food to aid agencies in Niger, including Concern and Goal.