Trócaire (The Irish Catholic Agency for World Development) is working towards a just world where people's dignity is ensured, the rights of individuals are respected, and where basic needs are met.

Trócaire is the official overseas development agency of the Catholic Church in Ireland. It was set up by the Irish Catholic Bishops in 1973 to express the concern of the Irish Church for the suffering of the world’s poorest and most oppressed people.



Trócaire was given a dual mandate: to support long-term development projects overseas and to provide relief during emergencies; and at home to inform the Irish public about the root causes of poverty and injustice and mobilise the public to bring about global change.



Trócaire, which means "Compassion" in the Irish language, draws its inspiration from Scripture and the social teaching of the Catholic Church. The agency strives to promote human development and social justice in line with Gospel values.



Its work is also influenced by the experiences and the hopes of the poor and oppressed. Trócaire supports communities in their efforts to improve their lives, meet their basic needs and ensure their human dignity.



This support is offered regardless of race, gender, religion or politics and in a spirit of solidarity.



In its role as an advocate for the poor, Trócaire raises public awareness in Ireland of poverty and injustice. It analyses the causes of poverty and mobilises the Irish public to campaign to bring about global change.



This action is undertaken in a bid to improve the lives of the world’s poorest and most oppressed citizens in line with the principles of social justice.