John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 297: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the measures in place to ensure that money allocated to overseas aid is not misappropriated through corruption in recipient countries; if he is satisfied that those measures are fully effective; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26353/07]

Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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Irish Aid works in some of the poorest countries in the world. It is a reality that in some of these countries, there are concerns surrounding governance issues, including corruption . It is for this reason that accountability and good governance are central components of our programme strategies. We support the building of capacity, including audit capacity, in our programmes. In this way Irish Aid is fostering the conditions for sustainable development.

In addition, programme strategies include monitoring and oversight frameworks to ensure that our assistance 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 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. I am satisfied that the programme strategies of Irish Aid, combined with its audit and evaluation systems, are effective, efficient and in accordance with the highest standards.