Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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96. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which Irish Aid continues to deliver its services directly to those for whom aid is planned throughout the globe; if donor states remain satisfied in this regard; if breaches have been reported in recent times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40080/17]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I am keenly aware of the importance of ensuring that Ireland’s development and humanitarian assistance reaches its intended beneficiaries, making a real difference to the lives of the poorest and most vulnerable people around the world. Ireland provides assistance through its Official Development Assistance (ODA) programme, Irish Aid.

To effectively deliver services across a variety of contexts, we work with implementing partners such as national Governments, NGOs, and multilateral partners including the United Nations, and the European Union.

Like other donor countries, Ireland participates in a system of peer reviews by the OECD. These reviews have commended our aid allocations to Sub-Saharan Africa and other areas of greatest need, and note that Ireland remains committed to delivering its programme according to international best practice.

To ensure assistance reaches its intended beneficiaries, high standards of accountability are maintained. Prior to funding, all requests are appraised against clear criteria that consider risk, results, and financial accountability. Funding is regulated by agreements setting out the terms and conditions related to the funding award. Partners are subject to monitoring to ensure intended recipients are benefitting, results are being achieved, and resources are being used and accounted for in accordance with terms set out in the agreements. Partners must seek formal approval from Irish Aid prior to making adjustments to approved areas of activities or expenditure. Any breaches of the terms of agreements are addressed in accordance with Departmental policies and procedures. Monitoring is undertaken by a combination of specialist staff, Embassy-based internal auditors, independent experts, and the independent 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.

The critical test is of course demonstrated results, which are reviewed quarterly and reported upon in the Irish Aid annual report. It is anticipated that the 2016 annual report will issue later this month.