Foreign Affairs Committee to discuss the work of NGOs active in Sierra Leone and Liberia

The Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade will meet on Tuesday, 19 May, to discuss the work of NGOs active in Sierra Leone and Liberia ahead of the Committee's forthcoming visit to the region.

The meeting will take place at 3pm in Committee Room 2 of Leinster House and will hear from representatives of GOAL, Concern Worldwide, Trócaire and Sightsavers.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy John Lahart said:
"Tomorrow's engagement provides an important opportunity for the Committee to hear directly from Irish NGOs working on the ground in Sierra Leone and Liberia and to get an insight into the key challenges and opportunities facing both countries, as a delegation from the Committee will be undertaking a visit to both countries next month.

Ireland has a long-standing and respected international development programme, and the work of Irish NGOs in West Africa demonstrates the tangible and lasting impact of that work.

The Committee looks forward to hearing about the impact of Ireland's overseas development assistance, and the role Irish organisations are playing in supporting public health, food security, climate resilience, gender equality and sustainable development.

We are particularly interested in how communities in Sierra Leone and Liberia are responding to the long-term effects of conflict, poverty, climate pressures and public health challenges, and how Ireland can continue to support development projects."