Michael D'Arcy (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 70: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the targets established in the multi annual programme scheme were reached; the audits that were carried out on these; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29338/07]

Michael D'Arcy (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 73: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the basis on which the funding of projects (details supplied) for the multi annual programme scheme two, 2007 to 2011, was established; the evaluations that were carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29337/07]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 70 and 73 together.

The Multi Annual Programme Scheme, (MAPS), is a funding scheme which has been established with a number of core NGOs with the aim of strengthening strategic and programmatic co-operation and providing a flexible and predictable funding framework. Five NGOs participated in MAPS — Christian Aid Ireland, Concern, Goal, Self Help Development International and Trócaire.

The objective of the MAPS I Scheme, 2003-2005 were:

To facilitate receipt by NGOs of Irish Aid funding in such a way as to promote flexibility within their own programme framework of visions and strategies, insofar as these visions and strategies are in line with the Government's policy of development cooperation.

To permit NGOs with a proven capacity to act in a predictable and coherent framework insofar as funding from Irish Aid is concerned, thereby allowing longer-term relations to be established with partners in the South.

To enhance and strengthen dialogue and mutual learning between Irish Aid and the NGOs in matters relating to strategies, approaches and the adoption of best practices.

An independent evaluation of the MAPS Scheme was conducted in 2005. The evaluation endorsed the Scheme as an effective mechanism for channelling funding to major Irish NGOs. A number of recommendations were made which have been incorporated into the second phase of the Scheme which will run from 2007-2011. The Evaluation of the Development Cooperation Ireland Multi-Annual Programme Scheme 2003-2005 is available at www.irishaid.gov.ie.

The Guidelines to the MAPS II Programme provide that the amount of funding to be granted to each participating agency will be determined in accordance with:

The Government's overall development cooperation budget and the allocation of funds between the various strands of the programme.

An analysis of the overall portfolio of funds of each participating agency, ensuring that Irish Aid's contribution is balanced by grants from other institutional donors and/or voluntary contribution.

'Liquidity ratio' of 70:30 whereby participating agencies are expected to generate 30% of their total income in the form of voluntary funds raised in Ireland or demonstrate a capacity to do so incrementally over the period of MAPS II.

The quality of the programme based on the MAPS Guidelines.

The efficient use and value for money evident in the programme proposal.

All of the MAPS II funding proposals were subjected to a rigorous appraisal and approval process by Irish Aid's Projects Appraisal and Evaluation Group which includes independent appraisal by external development specialists. In addition, a mid-term review of MAPS II will be undertaken to assess progress followed by an end of programme evaluation. As required by the MAPS scheme, MAPS partners submit each year full audited accounts.

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 71: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans for the distribution of overseas development aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30785/07]

Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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The White Paper published in September last year sets out the key principles and priorities for the Irish Aid programme as it expands to meet the target of 0.7% of our gross national product allocated to overseas development assistance by 2012.

The core objective of the Irish Aid programme is to tackle global poverty and exclusion. For this reason, the White Paper reaffirms that Africa will remain the principal focus for our assistance in the coming years. The number of our partner countries will increase from eight to ten. Malawi has been selected as our ninth partner country and a programme of development cooperation will begin there next year.

Irish Aid will continue to prioritise sectors, such as health and education, which are central to the fight against poverty. The struggle against HIV and AIDS is particularly important and we allocated over €100 million to this area and other communicable diseases last year. We also need to maintain our ability to respond quickly and effectively to humanitarian disasters, which disproportionately impact the most vulnerable members of society. The Rapid Response Initiative announced in the White Paper has already considerably improved our capacity to respond to these crises, wherever they occur. Other priority areas for the aid programme in future years include good governance, gender and the environment.

Global development challenges require concerted international action. Ireland will play its part by building on our strong relationships with non-governmental organisations, multilateral institutions and global partnerships.

NGOs and missionary organisations play a key role in responding to humanitarian disasters and also in longer-term development work. Our commitment to working in partnership with these organisations is as strong as ever. Last year alone Irish Aid provided over €140 million to support the work of development NGOs.

Irish Aid is increasing the level of assistance channelled through United Nations programmes and we are working to put framework agreements in place with UNICEF, the UNDP and the UNHCR. Support for UN agencies totalled €63 million in 2006. It is crucial that development assistance is managed to the highest standards and Ireland will continue to be at the forefront of UN reform efforts and work to improve the effectiveness of overseas development assistance.

The European Union is the largest development assistance donor in the world and Ireland's contribution to this effort through the European Development Fund is expected to reach €206 million between 2008 and 2013. Ireland plays an active role in shaping and monitoring EU expenditure on aid.

We are also working with global initiatives, particularly in the areas of health and education, to deliver long-term change. Between 2002 and this year Irish Aid will have contributed €80 million to the Global Fund for AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria for example. This support has provided access for over 700,000 men, women and children to treatment and extended HIV prevention programmes and care services to many more.

Our plans for the distribution of Ireland's overseas development assistance are guided by the principles of partnership, transparency and effectiveness. The programme will continue to operate in an efficient, accountable and innovative way to meet its ultimate aim which is to respond to the needs the poorest and most marginalised people in the world.