Liz O’Donnell, journalist, broadcaster and former TD and Minister of State with responsibility for Overseas Development Aid and Human Rights, has been appointed to chair the Board of the Irish Emergency Alliance. The Irish Emergency Alliance, a group of seven leading humanitarian agencies working together in response to major emergencies worldwide, has welcomed the appointment, and Liz O’Donnell said she is looking forward to taking up the voluntary role:
“I’m honoured to take up the position. I’ve been following the work of the Irish Emergency Alliance for some time now. Their most recent appeal in response to earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, as well as previous campaigns on the Horn of Africa hunger emergency, Ukraine, and Covid-19, highlighted the need for a united approach.“It’s a vital time to be involved; we have seen a startling number of acute emergencies striking in recent years. In response, we are seeing public, political, and civil society support for the alliance-model growing, mirroring international trends.“By working together, agencies create efficiencies and operate with agility in really effective ways to get aid where it’s needed most in an emergency, as quickly as possible. I’m hugely proud to be putting my support behind the work of the Irish Emergency Alliance, and I hope that I can be of help to the Alliance in its effective response to humanitarian crises.”Irish Emergency Alliance Executive Director Brian Casey said the appointment of Liz O’Donnell signals the growing public appetite for united responses to humanitarian emergencies:“Liz joins our board at a time when the need for concerted, united action around emergencies impacting our world has never been more acute. She brings leadership, a breadth of experience, profile and skills which will make her an invaluable asset to the Irish Emergency Alliance. Known particularly from her time in politics and journalism, Liz is also a passionate humanitarian who engages in a wide variety of charitable works, fundraising and advocacy, which makes her the perfect fit.”Liz O’Donnell studied at Trinity College Law School and was first elected to Dublin City Council in 1991 for the Rathmines Ward. She had earlier been Vice Chair of the Women’s Political Association and had worked on the Presidential Campaign of Mary Robinson.
Liz O’Donnell was first elected to the Dáil in 1992 and served as a TD for Dublin South from 1992 to 2007. She was Minister of State for Overseas Development and Human Rights.Liz has been an opinion columnist with the Irish independent. She has been involved in broadcasting across television and radio. She is involved in current affairs, public affairs consultancy and advocacy work. She is currently Chairperson of the Road Safety Authority.
The Irish Emergency Alliance are seven leading humanitarian agencies who have come together to respond faster and do more to save and help rebuild the lives of people affected by major emergencies worldwide.Our member organisations are Action Aid, Christian Aid, Plan International, Self Help Africa, Tearfund, Trócaire and World Vision Ireland. We have decades of combined experience and are active in 85 of the world’s poorest countries, often working closely with local partner organisations. Last year alone, we mobilised to support people affected by more than 20 disasters and conflicts worldwide, operating in some of the most difficult situations.More information at: https://irishemergencyalliance.org/
Former TD & Minister of State, Liz O’Donnell, to Chair Irish Emergency Alliance Board
