Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)

The Minister of State is correct in saying there has been a very positive evaluation of Ireland's aid programme. There was also a reference to improvements necessary in coherence between aid, trade, debt and so forth. It would be useful to hear if this will be given priority in the interdepartmental committee relevant to this matter.

With regard to the fundamental matter raised by Deputy Barrett, it is very important to recognise that the United Nations Convention against Corruption has yet to be ratified by Ireland, and only one country from the European Union has ratified it. One of the difficulties identified in Transparency International reports is that pressure is not mounted on both sides of the act of corruption, the donors in other words. I agree with the Minister of State that it would be wrong to narrow the Irish programme to one country. I would question as to whether such a proposal is the view of more than one development organisation.

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