Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he has been reassured that overseas development aid continue to reach those for whom it was intended and that recompense is made in situations where this is not the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1940/13]

Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As Minister of State with responsibility for Ireland’s Official Development Assistance, I am very conscious of the need to have a high level of assurance that our development assistance reaches its intended beneficiaries and that it makes a real difference in the lives of the poorest people.

To ensure that our assistance is effectively delivered to those most in need in developing countries, we work in partnership with national governments, local communities, NGOs, and key multilateral partners such as the United Nations and European Union.

All programmes considered for funding assistance are rigorously appraised by Irish Aid staff using clear criteria, including efficiency in the use of resources, cost effectiveness and sustainability of intended impact.

Programmes in receipt of funding through the Irish Aid programme are subject to regular internal and external monitoring to ensure that the intended objectives and goals are being achieved. They are evaluated and audited by independent experts as well as by Irish Aid’s Evaluation and Audit Unit. The Unit’s work is regularly reviewed by the independent Audit Committee of my Department.

In partner countries benefiting from Irish Aid support, we provide assistance to national Government oversight institutions, such as the Auditor General’s Office and the Public Accounts Committees of National Parliaments, to ensure Governments are held to account for the effective expenditure of public funds.

We have zero tolerance for any misuse or misappropriation of Irish Aid funding. In the event of any fraudulent use of Irish Aid funding, such as happened recently in Uganda, it is our policy to demand a full refund of monies disbursed and to pursue the perpetrators through the police and court system.

I believe that this strong focus on appraisal, regular monitoring, independent evaluations and audit provides assurance that all Irish Aid funds are very closely tracked and used for the purposes intended.