Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)

Public support and engagement are essential for the successful delivery of the Government's aid programme which is managed by Irish Aid in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The principles that guide the programme are set out in the White Paper on Irish Aid. Transparency and public ownership are central. They ensure our assistance delivers clear results in the lives of poor people and communities and makes a practical contribution to the fight against global poverty and hunger. They ensure a focus on the poorest communities in some of the world's poorest countries, the building of strong partnerships, and effective and efficient use of resources. That is why Ireland is recognised internationally as a leader in making aid more effective.

The oversight provided by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Committee of Public Accounts is extremely important in this regard, as is the role played by the independent Irish Aid expert advisory group. Irish Aid has in place comprehensive systems of appraisal, monitoring, audit and evaluation to ensure funds are spent effectively and benefit the most vulnerable people.

It is essential that the public can engage actively with the aid programme and have easy access to clear information on its priorities and programmes. The Irish Aid annual report which I launched recently at the Irish Aid volunteering and information centre provides full details on the programme's activities and expenditure and the practical results being achieved.

We are undertaking a review of the White Paper on Irish Aid. This will involve wide consultation with the public and interested organisations at home and in our partner countries. I look forward to strong public participation in this process which will result in a clear set of priorities for the future direction of the programme.

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