Vol. 470 No. 8
10 Miss M. Wallace asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs whether he has studied the recently published Charter for Aid sponsored by the Irish El Salvador support committee; and the plans or proposals, if any, he has to implement any of the proposals contained therein. [20057/96]
I have received a copy of the "Charter for Aid" prepared by the El Salvador Support Committee as its contribution to the ongoing debate on the delivery and impact of aid programmes in developing countries.
The Government's own approach to this subject is outlined in the White Paper on Foreign Policy, Challenges and Opportunities Abroad, and in the strategy plan, Irish Aid Consolidation and Growth. There is much common ground between the Government's policy document and the Charter for Aid produced by the Irish El Salvador Support Committee. There is a common concern to ensure that aid contributes to a process of self-reliant development in poor countries.
The Government encouraged the maximum possible level of public participation in the process leading up to the publication of the white Paper. Public seminars were held at a number of locations throughout the country. Written submissions were received from many individuals and organisations, including the Irish El Salvador Support Committee.
The implementation of the aid policy outlined in the White Paper benefits from recommendations and advice from a wide variety of sources, both domestic and international. For example, the Government must take account of the results of major international conferences and of the operational aid guidelines of the Development Assistance Committee, DAC, of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, OECD. Domestically, we must take account of advice offered by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Sub-Committee on Developing Countries, the Irish Aid Advisory Committee, IAAC, and nongovernmental organisations, NGOs. The annual Irish Aid Forum provides a framework to enable all interested parties to become involved in that process.
The Charter for Aid, produced by the Irish El Salvador Support Committee, is a welcome contribution in that context.
