At least a full 10 percent of Ireland’s Official Development Assistance (ODA), or approximately €163 million, goes to “Government and Civil Society”, according to Irish Aid’s latest annual report, which is probably not what most people associate with the concept of foreign aid.

Most people think of food, water and shelter for the poorest and most marginalised when they think of foreign aid and, to be sure, there is plenty spent on that. But the €163 million devoted to civil society organisations includes funding for openly political organisations, including ones engaged in advocacy.

This article is premium content

Get unlimited access to Gript

Support Gript and get exclusive content, full archives and an ad-free experience

Subscribe

Already a member? Sign in here