Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

Fine Gael strongly supports the Irish Aid programme. However, it is incumbent upon us to ensure that we obtain value for money. As I pointed out at yesterday's meeting of the Sub-Committee on Overseas Development, at which Mr. Niall Mellon delivered a presentation, I have concerns in this regard not because of what I know, but because of what I do not know. Not only public representatives but also the public should be able to access information on the precise amount allocated to a particular country and how it was spent.

The Minister observed that the Comptroller and Auditor General has access to the audit reports but cannot release them for reasons of confidentiality or sensitivity. However, in the case of public moneys, the public is entitled to know how they are spent. It is an issue my party has raised before. I understand a freedom of information request submitted by a national newspaper in respect of these reports was rejected. I will continue to highlight this issue until we obtain access to the reports. I want to be able to say to my party colleagues and those I represent that I am satisfied the money is reaching those for whom it is intended. If that means presenting the reports, warts and all, so be it. It would be a failure on my behalf and on behalf of my party if we did not pursue this issue. This is not to take from our strong support for the allocation of moneys to Irish Aid.

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