Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 207: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is satisfied that all aid reaches those for whom it was intended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4564/07]

Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland is committed, through its overseas development assistance programme, to helping the poorest and most vulnerable people in developing countries.

Across the programme, strategies are devised in close consultation with national governments and other key stakeholders to ensure that the support provided complements national poverty reduction plans and targets those most in need. These strategies also include monitoring frameworks to ensure that our assistance is effective and that it is implemented for the benefit of those for whom it is intended.

Irish Aid has in place rigorous accounting and audit controls which are essential to ensuring a transparent, effective and high quality programme. Irish Aid programmes are regularly and intensively audited and evaluated by independent audit firms, by Irish Aid's Evaluation and Audit Unit and by the independent Audit Committee of the Department. Programmes are evaluated to ensure that funds are used for the purposes intended and in respect of outcomes and value for money.

It is a fact that, in some of the countries where Irish Aid works, there are concerns surrounding governance issues including corruption. This is a reality and a challenge which Ireland, in common with other donors, has to face. I am satisfied that the methods used by Irish Aid in devising its strategies, combined with its audit and evaluation systems, serve to protect the funding provided, in accordance with best international practice and highest standards in this area.