Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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85. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the degree to which he and his EU/UN colleagues endeavour to ensure that aid intended for specific objectives actually goes to those for whom it was intended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23617/13]

Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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As Minister of State with responsibility for Ireland’s Official Development Assistance, I am very conscious of the need to ensure that our development assistance is used to achieve its intended objectives. In our new Policy for International Development: One World, One Future, in line with the Government’s commitments to Public Service Reform, we renew our strong focus on openness, transparency and accountability. All programmes considered for funding assistance are rigorously appraised using clear criteria, including efficiency in the use of resources, cost effectiveness and sustainability of intended impact. All partners in receipt of aid funds are obligated to report regularly on the results being achieved as a consequence of this support. At the most fundamental level our aid must make a real difference in the lives of the poor and must assist in building essential service delivery systems and capacity for the future.

We work closely with the UN and EU in conducting joint appraisals, ensuring clear and measurable targets for our aid are agreed and that the achievement of these is monitored in a systematic and transparent manner. 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 my Department’s Evaluation and Audit Unit. The Unit’s work is regularly reviewed by the independent Audit Committee of my Department.

I believe that our ‘zero tolerance’ for any misuse or misappropriation of aid funding is recognised and respected. In the event of any fraudulent use of Irish Aid funding, such as happened last year 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.