Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The only way we can work towards achieving the 0.7% target is collectively. I am on record already in that regard. In regard to the sustainable development goals and the 2030 plan I do not think it is good enough to say that in 14 years we will achieve the 0.7% target. If we want to hit that target we need to put in place a mechanism to do so and the only way we can do that is working collectively.

Since 2011 to date, the total development package which Irish taxpayers have contributed is €4.5 billion. When I indicate that at various events, people are surprised to hear it. It is reflective of where people are at in terms of what they want to do and their contribution to the global challenges. In a survey undertaken by the UN before Christmas, Ireland was ranked ninth in the world in terms of per capitacontribution.

In fact, we are ahead of the United States because, while the United States signs the biggest cheque for development globally, we are ahead of them per capita. I do not, however, accept that we should be at 0.3%. We could do more but we have come through an economic period which left us faced with certain choices. In 2011, 2012 and 2013, very harsh measures were taken on respite care, people with disabilities etc. but the ODA budget stayed the same. The Irish taxpayers need to be acknowledged for that. I am happy to work with the committee on this.

Deputy O'Brien asked where we were in terms of opportunities to partner with other countries. We are in consultation with fellow EU members and are looking for joined-up programming opportunities and these will happen. I acknowledge the work that David Donoghue and his team have done. They have built up their reputation for work in Kenya and Jordan over decades. Missionary work down the years also allows us to open doors. I met missionaries to Africa in Limerick at the beginning of the year and they used the word "authenticity". We have authenticity in our reputation at the moment. The Department of Finance in Kampala in Uganda asked us to get more involved in business. Many of them were educated by Irish priests and nuns and they see our honesty and integrity. It is not about using that as a platform and as an opportunity for business but it is about business connections helping in a wider sense in areas such as sustainability.

I had a wonderful opportunity to meet Sr. Mary Owens in Nairobi, Kenya. She started off as a principal in my alma mater in Milford in 1966 and was three years there before going to Africa, where she has been since. She is working with young children and teenagers on a HIV programme. A laboratory has been built with financing from Irish Aid. It is a wonderful project and such investments in humanity by Irish people should never be forgotten. They have ploughed the furrow for the rest of us.

A question was also asked on evaluation auditing and the money that goes to different groups. We have a very strict and accountable system for funds, which amounted to €651 million this year. There is a very good system of governance which is evolving all the time to adapt to different challenges. It is a requirement of all grant agreements that partners in receipt of Irish Aid funding, with the exception of international organisations, provide annual audited accounts. Audit coverage is close to 100%, though there may be exemptions for very small grants. The number of partners and grants, both at headquarters and in partner countries, will vary each year, as will the number of audit reports received annually. A reasonable estimate would be more than 200 reports each year. Audit requirements for international organisations, such as UN bodies, are laid down in international agreements. The Department usually receives audited financial statements from these bodies. In addition, with regard to UN bodies, the Department receives reports on internal audit activity presented to the executive boards.