Peter Power (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

The proposal has been considered by international aid effectiveness bodies, not least the OECD. The common consensus is that this would not be an effective way of delivering aid. Only last month the OECD, which reviewed the Irish programme that concentrates on nine countries, said it is the most effective way of delivering aid. It is not that we are not open to other ideas. However, any analysis of this proposal suggests it is not the most effective way of doing business and leaves open the possibility of very unfortunate consequences if that relationship were to break down.

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