Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I join in the praise for Irish Aid. It makes an extraordinary contribution to the world and Ireland's reputation overseas not just in terms of the level of aid, but also the thought that goes into how that aid is provided and Ireland's championing of untied aid. I would appreciate it if the witnesses commented on the importance of the untied aid aspect of Ireland's contribution. Other members have asked how Irish Aid ensures that these concerns are carried forward in multilateral programmes. We have heard about the work on governance, which has been positive, but there are specific concerns about the militarisation and corporate tying of aid and the danger of aid being used as leverage in immigration control agreements. How is Irish Aid working to ensure that Irish moneys are not being used in these ways and to influence that policy more broadly?

I understand that there used to be a high-level group on policy coherence. Senator Daly referred to trade and other matters. Will the witnesses give us a sense of how they engage with policy so as to ensure that our trade and other policies are not undermining the goals towards which they are working?

My final question is on the sustainable development goals, SDGs, and builds on the points that were made about communication. Given that this is an issue of universality, do the witnesses agree that this is an opportunity to reframe? The SDGs are a game changer, in that they present a chance to reframe long-term rather than short-term thinking and the connection with the Irish public, who are also affected. It is appropriate that Irish Aid works with governments on particular health programmes, etc. How does it support civil society in partner countries to engage and be empowered in terms of shaping the SDGs?

How does Irish Aid deepen its support for the large number of Irish volunteers who work in the global south and, when they return to Ireland, want to be active in issues of global justice and solidarity? I ask this in line with last year's development education strategy, which was a positive one. In the active and dynamic way described by Deputy Barrett, development education is something that all who have travelled overseas can be a part of and return to.

What are the witnesses' thoughts on these questions? I thank the Chairman for accommodating me in joining the committee today.