John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 239: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the countries, currently receiving funding from the Irish Aid budget, that are not approved for budgetary support from that funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15222/08]

Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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Irish Aid delivers assistance to over 90 countries in the world but has a particularly deep relationship with nine countries termed Programme Countries, seven in Africa and two in Asia. These are Tanzania, Zambia, Lesotho, Mozambique, Uganda, Ethiopia, Malawi, Vietnam and East Timor. In two of these countries, Mozambique and Tanzania, Irish Aid provides direct budget support as part of a comprehensive programme of development assistance. Ireland's relationship with the developing world is based on partnership and equality. Budget support contributes to greater ownership of development planning by recipient countries, and helps to create the conditions in which they can lead their own development processes. It enables both Government and donors to support national development as a whole, rather than focusing on individual projects or specific sectors.

Irish Aid attaches the highest priority to ensuring that taxpayers' money is spent efficiently and effectively for the benefit of the poor. Decisions on the delivery of direct budget support take account of the performance of partner Governments in key areas such as good governance, respect for human rights, and commitment to addressing the needs of the poor. Where such support is provided, it is accompanied by stringent systems of oversight and accountability. The fruits of this programmatic approach by Ireland, other donors and recipient countries are beginning to emerge. Africa is experiencing its most rapid period of growth in decades. Poverty levels are falling, not fast enough, but falling nevertheless. Ireland's Programme Countries are among those making real progress. In Mozambique for example the number of primary schools has increased from 2,800 in 1992 to approximately 9,000. Tanzania is making significant progress on child health and education. In Uganda the number of children at school has increased from 2 million to 7 million.

Irish Aid continues to work in some of the poorest and most difficult operating environments in the world. Like other donors, including NGOs and development agencies, we must strike a balance between risk and making a real and lasting difference in people's lives. I believe that our approach, which combines a range of instruments and partners, including budget support, strikes the right balance and is bringing about positive results amongst the poor.