John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 486: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the details of the agencies under the aegis of his Department. [22583/08]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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There are no agencies operating under the aegis of my Department. There are, however, four advisory committees and one educational commission which come under its aegis.

The Advisory Board for Irish Aid, which replaced the Irish Aid Advisory Committee (IAAC), was established in August 2002 to provide general oversight and advice to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Minister of State for Overseas Development on the strategic direction of the Government's programme of assistance to developing countries.

The Development Education Advisory Committee (DEAC) was established in 2003 following the recommendations of the Ireland Aid Review Committee. Its purpose is to advise the Minister, Minister of State and Irish Aid on policy regarding development education and on ways of increasing knowledge and understanding of development issues in Ireland.

The Emigrant Services Advisory Committee (formerly known as the Díon Committee) advises the Government on support for our emigrant communities in Britain.

The Hunger Task Force was established in September 2007, in line with the recommendation of the White Paper on Irish Aid, to identify the contributions that Ireland can make to international efforts to reduce hunger. The Task Force, which is made up of 15 national and international experts, is expected to complete its final report by the end of the summer. The Task Force will dissolve on completion of its final report.

The Ireland — United States Commission for Educational Exchange (the Fulbright Commission) finances study, research, teaching and other educational activities between Ireland and the United States of America. It was established in 1957 by means of the Scholarship Exchange (Ireland and the United States of America) Act, 1957 as amended by the Educational Exchange (Ireland and the United States of America) Act, 1991. While the Fulbright Commission enjoys 'autonomy of management and administration', under the 1991 Act, I have some statutory responsibilities in respect of the Commission, including power of appointment in respect of its Irish members.