Sir, - It was with deep disappointment that I read the announcement in your edition of June 29th of the government U-turn regarding the allocation of overseas aid. The promised increase of 0.45 per cent of GNP, made in the Programme for Government two months ago, is being reduced to 0.41 per cent, resulting in a loss of €32 million. The Taoiseach's promise to the UN Millennium Summit in September 2001 to meet the UN target of 0.7 per cent by 2007 now becomes problematic.
I realise that the downturn in public finances is causing cuts in Government expenditure, but that cuts should be made at the expense of the most vulnerable is deplorable. Aid agencies, desperately trying to cope with widespread crop failure in southern Africa, are dismayed.
I appeal to Mr Tom Kitt, Minister of State for Development Co-operation, to work mightily to have this Cabinet decision reversed. - Yours, etc.,
Sister ROSETTA GRAY,
Mercy Justice Office,
O'Connell Street,
Limerick.