Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I want to make one observation in that regard. I share the Taoiseach's view that the fundamental issue arises, in one sense, from the Helsinki Accord where borders cannot be changed without consent. The question for Deputy Bertie Ahern as Taoiseach and his counterparts is to determine how best Serbia may be helped if a declaration is made. In one sense, it is international politics, but with Russia playing games with the European Union over Serbia and while the Troika is determining where to go as regards Kosovo, the US Government is declaring its formula for a declaration of independence. In an EU sense it is a collective challenge for the leaders of the member states. I hope that reason prevails and that what emerges is a demonstration of collective strength from the European Union in the interests of the peoples of both Serbia and Kosovo. It certainly will not be easy to get a resolution to this situation.

As regards Irish Aid, I commend Government progress in reaching the targeted commitment of 0.7% of GNP in respect of aid for developing countries. There has been much comment along the lines of corruption being endemic in African countries. I have noted the strident comments by John O'Shea on a number of occasions as he warned against spending money in developing countries where dictators or corrupt regimes apply. Does the Taoiseach have a view on this and is he happy that the taxpayer gets full value for the moneys we pay into this? Everybody has a human principle of wanting to help others and it is only right and proper that the Government, on behalf of the people, should be fully assured that the best results are achieved for the money being spent by the taxpayer. Does the Taoiseach have a view on whether we should continue with the current format of involving with some of those regimes in Africa, payment through NGOs and whatever, and does he intend to visit any of the areas concerned to see the value on the ground that is being achieved for what we spend?

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