Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Senator for the opportunity to clarify the position. Much as we might like private contributions to be part of the assessment in respect of the levels of aid, the OECD does not view private funding as part of the mix. The main reason for the OECD policy is both philosophical and fundamental. There is greater clarity in government donations rather than in those of citizens. It is also very difficult to calculate and capture the level of private donation, even in respect of the tsunami. We do not have a clear picture of the final figure of the public's generosity because many members of the public donated the money directly. Senators will be aware of some striking examples of this generosity.