Peter Power (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

I agree with Deputy Higgins that it is not a widely held view, but is in fact a unique one, among the development community which does not stack up when analysed carefully.

A recipient country's ownership of its programme is another aspect. Modern accepted development standards suggest a government of a developing country should own its programme and, with the help of the donor countries, drive it through its systems. If there were only one donor in charge of directing that, albeit in partnership with a developing country government, it would not allow the recipient country to develop its own ability to manage its affairs because of its sole dependence on one country.

Aid-for-trade, agriculture and other issues which are not strictly development concerns are important. It is crucial that different Departments do not affect adversely our development efforts through a lack of coherence. I chair the interdepartmental committee on aid effectiveness and development which tries to ensure a coherent, whole of government approach to these issues, in so far as it is possible when recognising the different approaches of different Departments.

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