Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 768: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which Ireland's development aid is expected to target the most deserving African countries in the future; the measures taken to ensure that all such aid goes directly to those for whom it was intended; the degree to which steps have been taken or will be taken to eliminate the possibility of such aid falling into the wrong hands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2411/09]

Peter Power (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The overarching objective of Irish Aid, the Government's official aid programme, is the reduction of poverty, inequality and exclusion in developing countries. The White Paper on Irish Aid sets out the principles and policies underlying the aid programme. It also identifies considerations which guide the selection of long term development partners. These include factors such as the level of poverty and the scope for Ireland to make a positive impact. It also includes standards of governance, stability and the potential of the partner government to take ownership of the country's development process.

In keeping with the conclusions of the White Paper on Irish Aid, Africa, with 34 of the world's least developed countries, will remain the primary geographic focus for Ireland's development programme. Seven of the nine programme countries are in sub-Saharan Africa. These are Tanzania, Zambia, Lesotho, Mozambique, Uganda, Ethiopia and Malawi. The other two programme countries are Vietnam and East Timor.

Irish Aid is committed to ensuring that all aid goes to those for whom it is intended, and has rigorous planning, monitoring and evaluation measures in place. The poorest in society are those most affected by corruption. We are addressing corruption through improving transparency and accountability in Government, supporting public oversight institutions, parliamentary reform and the independent media. Additionally, we support building the capacity of civil society to influence and monitor public policy decisions. For example, in Lesotho and Mozambique, Ireland supports the strengthening of internal and external audit functions within the Government. In Uganda, Ireland is supporting the promotion of democracy, political parties and civic education in the lead up to the presidential and parliamentary elections in 2011. In Zambia, Ireland supports the work of a special Task Force on Corruption.

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, including internal auditors based in our programme countries, and also overseen by the independent Audit Committee of the Department of Foreign Affairs. Programmes are evaluated to ensure that funds are used for the purposes intended, in particular in respect of outcomes and value for money.

While we are working in some of the most difficult environments in the world, I am satisfied that the monitoring, evaluation and audit systems which we have in place provide the best protection possible against misuse of Irish taxpayers' funds.