Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 353: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount of overseas aid granted in 2005; the way this was distributed and to who; the way this money was audited or accounted for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37550/06]

Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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In 2005, total funding for Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) amounted to €578 million which brought total spending to 0.43% of GNP. Funding for ODA administered by Irish Aid under Vote 29 amounted to €465 million. ODA contributions from other Government Departments in 2005, including Ireland's contribution to the EU budget for Development Cooperation amounted to €113 million.

Total ODA is expected to reach €734 million in 2006. This includes the additional contribution of €59 million for debt cancellation made to the World Bank. This will bring spending on ODA to just over 0.5% of GNP, meeting the Government's interim target a year in advance.

The funding administered by Irish Aid in 2005 was delivered through a wide range of partners including non-governmental organisations, missionaries, UN agencies, international organisations and humanitarian agencies. Funding was also delivered via local, regional and national government systems aimed at, inter alia, building health, education and local government systems. Assistance was delivered to very many of the world's poorest countries, with the majority in Africa.

A comprehensive and detailed list of all countries, projects and agencies funded by Irish Aid will shortly be available in the 2005 annual report, which will be placed in the Dáil Library.

Irish Aid operates an integrated accounting system, which covers the entire programme. This system operates to the best Irish accounting standards, is in compliance with public financial procedures, and additionally meets the OECD reporting requirements.

Like every Vote, Vote 29 is subject to the audit of the Comptroller and Auditor General. The appropriation account for 2005 has been audited and was recently published. Like every Vote, Vote 29 is subject to the audit of the Comptroller and Auditor General. The appropriation account for 2005 has been audited and was recently published. In addition, Irish Aid has a dedicated e valuation and audit unit, which contributes to an efficient and effective development programme by ensuring accountability and facilitates learning. The unit's mission includes promoting the culture of evaluation and audit in Irish Aid. Specifically, the role of the internal audit element of the unit is to independently examine and report to management and the Accounting Officer whether public funds and resources have been used for the purposes for which they have been authorised and accounted for in accordance with public financial procedures and are managed to good effect.

In addition, the Department of Foreign Affairs has an independent audit committee, consisting of five external members, whose role is to provide oversight regarding the accountability arrangements for the programme. The committee advises the Accounting Officer and operates under a written charter.