The Government is to donate €2 million towards food aid for Ethiopia. The money will be channeled through the UN World Food Programme which has been forced to cut aid to the country due to a funding shortage.
Prolonged drought and high food prices are bringing many people in Ethiopia ever closer to famine, said Minister for Food Trevor Sargent.
"I have seen first hand how Irish funding helps save lives," he said. "Irish people have always been generous in helping others, in good times and in bad.
"At this time of the year especially, it is important to reach out and help our neighbours in need and not to forget those who, although they may be far away, depend on our support for life itself."
