Ireland will commit €250 million a year for the next four years to help combat global malnutrition.

The announcement was made by Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Harris, along with Minister of State with responsibility for international development and diaspora, Neale Richmond.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said the announcement represents a significant increase on Ireland’s previous committed budget and is a sign of Ireland’s commitment to tackling malnutrition and improving nutritional intake globally.

The Tánaiste said: “Almost three million children die each year as a result of hunger and malnutrition. That is a global scandal, and one that Ireland is not prepared to look away from.

"Today’s pledge will see Ireland increase its work globally to tackle malnutrition.

The announcement will see Ireland commit €1 billion in total over 2026-2029. The department said the funds will provide a range of multilateral and civil society partners with support for programmes aimed at tackling world hunger.

The announcement follows the Nutrition for Growth summit held in Paris this week (Thursday, March 27).

At the previous summit in Tokyo in 2021, Ireland pledged €800 million over five years (2021-2025).

The department said the funds will go towards work that specifically targets efforts to tackle child malnutrition in regions facing significant hunger and humanitarian crisis. 

Minister Richmond said: “Hunger has a particular resonance with Irish people given our own history. Ireland is already considered a leader in global efforts to tackle hunger.

"It will result in direct and life-saving support for people, particularly children, who face daily battles to get food on their plates.”