Peter Power (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

Ethiopia has been a priority country for Ireland's aid programme since 1994, with a clear focus on hunger and basic services for the poorest communities.

Human Rights Watch recently produced a report on development in Ethiopia. It stated that the Government has demonstrated a real commitment to economic development and has introduced the technical framework of democracy, but that civil and political rights are deteriorating.

It specifically alleged that programmes and services supported by aid donors have been manipulated for party political purposes, and referred to two programmes funded by Ireland with other donors. The productive safety net programme provides some of the most vulnerable people in Ethiopia with predictable cash or food transfers in return for work. It is protecting the lives of over 7 million people annually. The protection of basic services programme funds services at regional level, notably in health and education.

We take very seriously any allegation of misuse of funding provided under the aid programme. Irish Aid, working with other aid donors, has examined the report in detail. Our shared assessment does not support the allegation of widespread, systematic abuse of development assistance. However, we are concerned about any allegation of misuse of aid at local level.

In recent days, our ambassador has raised the allegations in the report directly with the Minister for Finance and Economic Development and emphasised the real concern in Ireland that they need to be investigated. The Minister stated that his Government is ready to investigate any allegation brought to its attention and to discuss how existing safeguards can be strengthened. We are following up at all levels so effective action is taken to provide the assurance that there is no misuse of aid and all assistance is delivered without interference to the most vulnerable communities.

Irish Aid programmes are subject to rigorous reviews and ongoing monitoring to ensure they are delivered effectively and in line with our commitment to the fight against poverty and hunger. These measures are kept under continuous review to ensure our assistance to Ethiopia is reaching the people most in need, whether it is provided directly by Irish Aid or channelled through our NGO partners.

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