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Minister of State for Trade and Development, Jan O’Sullivan, T.D., today announced that Nora Owen has been appointed as the Chair of the Irish Aid Expert Advisory Group.

The Irish Aid Expert Advisory Group is an independent, non-executive expert body, established in 2010, whose core function is to offer advice to the Minister on the aid programme.

Speaking on the appointment, Minister of State Jan O’Sullivan said:"I am delighted that Nora Owen has agreed to take on the role of Chair of the Irish Aid Expert Advisory Group."

"During her time in the Dáil, Nora chaired the Joint Committee on Cooperation with Developing Countries for seven years, and also vice-chaired the Foreign Affairs Committee. She has a strong understanding of, and commitment toward the fight against global poverty and marginalisation, and to the promotion of human rights, justice and equality."

"She will be a great addition to the Advisory Group and will be able to bring fresh and valuable insights into the aid programme."The Minister added:"This is a particularly important time for the Expert Advisory Group, who I have asked to guide oversight of the Review of the White Paper on Irish Aid in order to maximise Ireland’s contribution to the fight against global poverty and hunger."

"Public consultations will take place in the first quarter of 2012 and I expect the final Review report to be completed later in 2012."