Three of Ireland's largest humanitarian organisations were today awarded €500,000 each to help respond quickly to global emergencies.
Concern, Goal and Trócaire were granted the Special Emergency Fund by Irish Aid, which can be drawn upon in the event of any sudden humanitarian emergency.
The funds will be replenished by Irish Aid on receipt of satisfactory reports of spending.
"Experience from emergencies has shown that lives are saved where the international community responds quickly," said Minister of State for Overseas Development Michael Kitt. "This new fund will save lives by enabling our partners to improve the speed of their responses to humanitarian emergencies.
Irish Aid already provides pre-allocated funds to both the United Nations and the International Red Cross for their Emergency Response work.
"It makes sense that Irish Aid should make similar provisions in respect of the three leading Irish relief agencies by establishing special emergency funds for them," Mr Kitt added.
Under the pilot scheme, the NGO will inform Irish Aid of the amount required and purpose in advance. The programme will be reviewed at the end of 2009.