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

359. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he continues to monitor aid distribution throughout Africa and other locations with a view to ensuring high standards in respect of distribution and accountability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32099/16]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am keenly aware of the need for the distribution of our development assistance to be carefully monitored, ensuring that it reaches its intended beneficiaries and makes a real difference in the lives of the poorest people.

Peer reviews by the OECD of the Irish Aid programme have singled out Ireland's focus on the poorest countries in the world. These reviews have commended our aid distribution to Sub-Saharan Africa and other areas of greatest need. The percentage of Ireland's ODA allocated to Least Developed Countries, is amongst the highest of OECD donors.

Ireland's Policy for International Development, One World One Future,has a strong focus on the most vulnerable and poorest communities. A high standard of monitoring the policy's implementation by Irish Aid and all its partners is ensured through the use of a detailed framework which sets out clear objectives, targets and a monitoring mechanism.

Accountability and transparency are central to maintaining high standards in the implementation of the aid programme. Full details of the distribution of our aid are published each year in our Annual Report. These reports clearly show the distribution of aid, including the amounts given to countries in Africa and elsewhere, and the amounts allocated to different priorities and to different partners. They function as a core accountability and transparency tool, providing a comprehensive overview of expenditure under the aid programme, and demonstrating the results that have been achieved. The latest Annual Report, for 2015, and other details on the aid programme, are accessible on the Irish Aid website, .

All programmes being considered for funding assistance are rigorously appraised by Irish Aid staff against clear criteria, including efficiency in the use of resources, and the capacity of the implementing organisations to deliver results and account for resources received. Programmes in receipt of funding are subject to regular internal and external monitoring to ensure that the intended results are being achieved and resources have been used appropriately. This monitoring is undertaken by a combination of specialist staff, Embassy-based internal auditors, independent experts, and the Evaluation and Audit Unit of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. That Unit's work is regularly reviewed by the independent Audit Committee of this Department. In addition, the Comptroller and Auditor General provides independent assurance that Official Development Assistance is being provided in accordance with the law, is managed to good effect, and is properly accounted for.

Monitoring the distribution and quality of our aid programme and exercising full accountability and transparency for results achieved and resources utilised, are vital in the fight against hunger and poverty. These are principles the Irish Aid will continue to keep at the heart of our programme.