Figures compiled by the Department of Foreign Affairs in response to parliamentary questions to Aontú Leader Deputy Peadar Tóibín show that almost €1.3 billion in public funding was provided to NGOs between 2020 and 2024.
The figures reveal that annual funding increased from just over €201 million in 2020 to more than €300 million in 2024, representing an increase of almost 50% over the period.
Among the largest recipients were Concern Worldwide, Trócaire, the International Committee of the Red Cross, Misean Cara and GOAL, which together received well over €100 million in funding during 2024.
The Deputy said “’These figures relate to a single Government Department alone, almost €1.3 billion was paid to NGOs between 2020 and 2024. The amount distributed annually increased from €201 million in 2020 to more than €300 million in 2024, an increase of almost 50% in just four years.”
“In 2024 alone, 897 organisations based outside the State received €155 million, while 177 organisations based in Ireland received €150 million.
The scale of this spending is remarkable. These figures come from a single Department alone. The obvious question is what is the total amount being paid to NGOs across all Government Departments and agencies?”
“ I am not suggesting that the majority of NGOs do not carry out valuable work, However, when one Department alone provides almost €1.3 billion over a five-year period, there must be a clear and transparent system that allows the public to understand the full picture.”
“ Currently there is no single location where we can see the total level of Government funding going to NGOs, how that funding is distributed, how much reaches frontline programmes, how much is spent on administration and salaries, and what measurable outcomes are being achieved.”
“The role of NGOs within Irish public life has grown significantly over recent decades. Many now receive substantial public funding and play an important role in service provision, development programmes, advocacy and policy engagement. The public should be able to clearly see the relationship between State funding and the activities being carried out.”
“These figures show funding has increased dramatically. I believe there is a need for the for the State to establish a comprehensive and publicly accessible register of NGO funding across all Departments and agencies. Such a system should provide a clear breakdown of where funding goes, how it is spent, and what results are being delivered.” Concluded the Deputy
