Act Now

The Irish Government has made a commitment to the world's poorest and most vulnerable people - to spend 0.7% of our national income on overseas aid by 2015. That's just 70 cent in every €100 by 2015.

 In these challenging times, we are given a chance to show who we are, and that we are still willing to make a difference. Through our aid programme we can rebuild our international reputation. We must show we value our commitments and that we deliver on our promises.

2010 is a critical year for the international community's efforts to make poverty history: With five years to go until the deadline for the eradication of the worst forms of poverty, and with a major UN Summit planned for September, this is the year that promises need to be turned into action.

Sightsavers is joining with 65 other Irish development organisation to call on the Irish Government to get on track. We must keep honour our commitment to reaching 0.7% by 2015.

0.7% is not just a number - it's trained teachers and doctors; it's more schools and hospitals; it's people living their lives with hope and dignity. Our aid promise is something to be proud of. Ireland must act now to keeep it.

You can support the campaign by sending an email to your TDs. There is an email on the Act Now website - you just have to select your constituency, fill in your name and address and hit send.