Peter Power (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

Of course I support the Deputy's point and obviously it is a matter for the joint committee of which the Deputy is a member to offer that invitation. However, the essential point remains that our moneys are spent in a way that is rigorously monitored and reviewed. There are very strong safeguards in place which I have inspected over there. There are regular audits and independent evaluations.

We work in partnership with Government and local systems, because that is international best practice in terms of creating capacity and sustaining development in such countries. However, to use this report to characterise the nature of our programmes in a manner that is simply not in accordance with the facts is something I disagree with.

To answer the Deputy's question directly, I accept that Human Rights Watch is a reputable organisation and I agree that engagement with the joint committee could be fruitful.

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