John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

12. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the measures that are in place to ensure that all funding granted through Irish Aid is spent in a manner which is effective and accountable; the actions he will take to ensure that all organisations funded reflect Ireland’s strong record on human rights, peace and reconciliation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30805/13]

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

18. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he continues to be satisfied regarding the degree to which international aid reaches those for whom it was intended worldwide; the extent to which continued monitoring takes place in respect of locations in relation to which concern has been raised in this regard previously; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30749/13]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 12 and 18 together.

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 spent effectively, is fully accountable and that it makes a real difference to the lives of the world’s poorest people.

The overarching objective of the aid programme is to contribute to the eradication of extreme poverty and hunger in the world. To be certain that our assistance is targeted at those most in need and delivered in the most effective manner, we work through a variety of delivery channels in partnership with national governments, local communities, NGOs, and key multilateral partners such as the United Nations. Each of these partners is fully accountable to my Department for any funds received.

All proposals for funding are rigorously appraised by Irish Aid staff or independent experts using clear criteria, including quality of intended impact, sustainability, cost effectiveness and efficiency in the use of resources.

Irish Aid Programmes in receipt of funding are subject to regular internal and external monitoring and are evaluated and audited by independent experts. The independent Evaluation and Audit Unit of my Department evaluates the performance of Irish Aid under its work programme and regularly reviews risks associated with the implementation of programmes. This year the Unit has prioritised the assessment of all internal control systems governing the management of the Aid Programme. Evaluations and audits are also regularly reviewed by the independent Audit Committee of my Department.

In addition a comprehensive system of external audit is in place in the Department. Audits are carried out on an annual basis by independent auditors of international accountancy firms and the national audit offices of our partner Governments. Oversight of the audit function is by the Department’s independent Audit Committee which provides an independent appraisal of the Department’s audit and evaluation function

The Comptroller & Auditor General reviews the operation of the Department’s Internal Audit function and places reliance on its work for the purpose of its annual report. This report is in turn examined by the Public Accounts Committee.

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

The recent case in Uganda is a clear indication of the need for continuous vigilance. The report into the events in Uganda contains a number of recommendations for improving the monitoring and oversight of Irish Aid spending. I have accepted all of the recommendations of the Uganda report. I have welcomed the swift action of the Government of Uganda in reimbursing in full all misused funds and the prosecutions which are underway. I wish to assure Deputies that all oversight systems are currently being reviewed in the light of the report and will be strengthened, where necessary, if any deficiencies are identified.

Ireland’s commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights and to the advancement of peace and reconciliation is a cornerstone of our foreign policy and a key priority of Ireland’s new Policy for International Development ‘One World, One Future’. We believe that sustainable development can only be achieved when there is a strong foundation of human rights, peace and security. In line with our new policy we are committed to reinvigorating our approach to human rights by ensuring that the human rights principles of non-discrimination, equality, empowerment and participation are integrated across all our development efforts and organisations that we fund.

My Department, through Irish Aid and the Human Rights and Conflict Resolution Units, has significant experience in supporting peace and reconciliation efforts in a number of developing countries including Timor Leste, Sierra Leone and Liberia. A priority in the Policy for International Development is to build on this considerable experience and deepen our efforts in Fragile States. We will be strengthening our work in this area over the coming months.