Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 9 Mar 1999

Vol. 501 No. 6

Written Answers. - Overseas Development Aid.

Nora Owen

Question:

134 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has considered an application by an organisation (details supplied) for assistance to run a co-operation programme in Lesotho; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6810/99]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Andrews)

I am aware that the organisation has expressed its intention to submit an application for assistance towards the development of a co-operation programme in Lesotho but no such application has been received to date. My officials are in regular contact with this organisation.

Brendan Smith

Question:

135 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if products from a company (details supplied) in Dublin 15 can be supplied as part of the overseas development aid; if those products can be supplied through the emergency response fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7121/99]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Andrews)

The Department of Foreign Affairs does not procure materials directly for emergency humanitarian or development programmes. Assistance is provided in the form of cash grants channelled through international aid organisations and non-governmental organisations, NGOs, which have a proven track record in providing prompt and effective intervention in humanitarian emerg-encies.

We believe that these agencies are best placed to assess everyday needs in crisis situations. Funded agencies are free to purchase the necessary relief goods by a process of competitive tenders which maximise the value and quantity of relief aid and ensures value for taxpayers' money. It is open to Irish commercial interests to tender for the supply of such goods.

It is not the practice of the Government, furthermore, to specify which products should be purchased when making grants to NGOs or international agencies or to engage in what is known as tied aid, as there are strong development arguments against this. Tying of aid also reduces competition and transparency and results in poor value for aid money. Furthermore, in emergency crisis situations we believe that NGOs should have flexibility in assessing their needs.