Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
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Question 35: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will clarify the nature of Irish Aid disbursed to Colombia; the way it is allocated; and the terms of same. [2342/12]

Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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The Government's aid programme, which is managed by Irish Aid, is sharply focused on the fight against global poverty and hunger. It is recognised internationally for its effectiveness, and for its particular concentration on some of the poorest countries and communities in sub-Saharan Africa. Ireland does not have a full bilateral aid programme with Colombia. However, Irish Aid has for some years provided funding support for the work of development non-governmental organisations and Irish missionaries in Colombia. Since 2009, over €3.5 million has been provided in this way for long-term development work, and in response to humanitarian needs.

Funding for NGOs is allocated by Irish Aid on the basis of a series of eligibility criteria, which include a proven organisational capacity for the effective use of funding, and a solid track record of delivery. NGO partners submit proposed programmes of work based on their own strategic priorities and capacity. NGOs supported by Irish Aid for their work in Colombia over the past year included Trócaire, Christian Aid, HelpAge International and Mercy Corps Scotland. The main focus of this support was on the promotion of human rights in Colombia, strengthening the peace-building process and increasing the ability of communities affected by conflict to advocate for their rights and interests.

For all NGO funding, including that in Colombia, Irish Aid assesses and evaluates programmes of assistance against specific objectives and expected results. Procedures to ensure funding is used for maximum benefit include regular field monitoring visits to programme partners, annual reporting, including financial reporting against agreed objectives and budgets, and end of programme evaluations and reviews. Ireland can be proud of its contribution to human rights and peace-building in Colombia over recent years and it is important we continue to support poor communities to consolidate the peace-building process and realise their rights.

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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I congratulate Deputy Costello on his appointment as Minister of State. We worked on the Oireachtas Joint Committee on European Affairs and I look forward to continuing our work. What the Minister of State has outlined is very welcome. I had the opportunity to read one of the excellent reports by Trócaire on the impact of the trade agreement between the EU and Colombia and Peru, to which Trócaire has outlined its opposition in clear and coherent terms. I raised this matter during a previous Question Time in the Dáil. There is concern about traditional support from the US and the UK in terms of military aid or aid to civilian components of the military there. There is concern that Ireland may be indirectly contributing to this through the EU. Are we aware of any EU programmes to which Ireland financially contributes that could in any way link us to supporting this type of initiative? This would be unwelcome.

Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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I thank Deputy Mac Lochlainn for his complimentary remarks about my appointment. We engage with Trócaire and last year over 50% of the aid was given to Trócaire, which is active in respect of human rights, advocacy and humanitarian provision. The trade agreement to which the Deputy refers is a multi-party trade agreement with the European Union. This is the best way of moving forward so that all the countries in Europe are together in dialogue with Colombia. The trade agreement was essentially negotiated by the European Commission. There is some dispute on the question of mixed competences, whether this is an exclusive agreement with the EU or whether the 27 member states must also grant approval. While the agreement has been initialled, it has not been approved. In any case, it must receive the approval of the European Parliament, which has not been granted at this time. The agreement cannot be ratified until the approval takes place. The concerns voiced by Trócaire remain to be dealt with.

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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Barack Obama, who is the President of the United States, and other senior Democrats have sought a reduction in funding. There is a shameful history in Latin America of the CIA and such organisations, who trained despot regimes. Thank God people in those countries are rising up and electing governments. There are concerns in Colombia about the ongoing human rights situation and the fact that it has the record in the world for murders of trade unionists and human rights defenders. It has an appalling and shameful history. Directly or indirectly, Ireland should not be allocating money that will be of benefit to the military objectives of the Colombian Government. I welcome the range of NGOs referred to by the Minister of State in his response. That is commendable and follows the record of Irish Aid but I am concerned that, either directly or indirectly through the EU, we are funding that type of aid.

Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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I am not aware that Ireland has any hand, act or part in respect of funding of that nature. Our commitment is to human rights and peace building. Last year, we provided €100,000 for the protection of front line defenders in that area. We will also be associated with the good work done by SIPTU in this respect. I met a number of trade unionists from Colombia over the past number of years in respect of their concerns about human rights. That is the kind of work and advocacy that is taking place and that is the direction in which our money has been spent and will continue to be spent.