Written answers

Wednesday, 11 February 2009

Department of Foreign Affairs

Overseas Development Aid

9:00 pm

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 222: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he is taking to ensure value for money with the overseas development aid budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5083/09]

Photo of Peter PowerPeter Power (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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As Minister of State with responsibility for our overseas aid budget, I am deeply conscious of the need to ensure value for money and impact on the ground in terms of poverty reduction.

I can assure you that the aid programme has in place a comprehensive programme of appraisal, planning, audit, and evaluation to ensure that funds are spent effectively and benefit the most vulnerable and poorest people of the countries in which we and our partners operate.

Our systems seek to maximise aid effectiveness and poverty impact, and ensure value for money. Proposals are appraised by Irish Aid staff using a number of different criteria, including quality of intended impact, sustainability, cost effectiveness and efficiency in the use of resources.

The Irish Aid strategic and annual business planning processes have a strong results focus which identifies specific results against which Irish Aid programmes are measured and evaluated. Programmes are continually monitored and assessed by both staff in the field and at headquarters to ensure that they are achieving results and that intended objectives and goals are being accomplished. External reviews are also conducted as necessary.

Irish Aid expenditure is subject to rigorous accounting, evaluation and audit controls. Programmes are regularly audited and evaluated by independent audit firms and by Irish Aid's Evaluation and Audit Unit. The Unit's work is also examined by my Department's independent Audit Committee. These evaluations provide assurance that funds are used for the purposes intended and have a particular focus on poverty outcomes and value for money.

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