Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)

The OECD has given a favourable report on the Irish aid programme, which is welcome. However, one would find it strange that the only increase, an increase of 240%, in the allocations in Vote 29 is in value for money and policy reviews. When there is consensus about the value of the programme and when we have had to cut back good elements of it, why embark on value for money studies at this stage? One would have thought the Government would be seeking to sustain the programme in terms of where the impact of cuts might be most negative with regard to life-threatening issues. I welcome the cut of 61% for consultancy services. Following on from Question No. 1, the Minister needs to give an assurance with regard to funding. If the major NGOs have been given an indication they will receive 70% of what they had been receiving, they cannot be left without direction on the remaining 30% across their programmes if they are to plan effectively.

See this speech in context