Written answers

Tuesday, 25 April 2006

Department of Foreign Affairs

Overseas Development Aid

9:00 pm

Photo of John GormleyJohn Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Question 359: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether there is sufficient evidence to suggest that Government to Government support in Ethiopia reaches the neediest of its citizens; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that international donors have withdrawn €400 million from Ethiopia following a series of massacres committed by Ethiopian armed forces against their own people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14294/06]

Photo of Conor LenihanConor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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In the light of recent political developments in Ethiopia, including the loss of life and civil strife, a number of donors providing general or direct budget support to the Ethiopian Government undertook a review of this type of funding. In the light of this review, they specifically and significantly decided that they would not withdraw such assistance, estimated at €400 million, from Ethiopia, but rather that they would reallocate it to other programmes in that country.

Ireland, unlike the above donors, does not provide general or direct budget support to the Ethiopian Government. Our assistance is largely channelled through ministries or regional authorities, and is specifically earmarked for spending on basic needs programmes such as the building of schools, the training of health workers and teacher training. These activities have a direct and positive effect on the lives of thousands of poor Ethiopians, and are helping to build a basis for real and lasting change in their lives. The programmes are carefully monitored by our embassy staff on the ground, and are also externally evaluated from time to time. The programmes have also been visited by members of the Oireachtas and by the Irish Aid Advisory Board.

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