Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 14 Feb 2001

Vol. 530 No. 4

Written Answers. - Overseas Development Aid.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

83 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will give a breakdown of the overseas aid payments for 2000; those proposed for 2001; and the reason more aid is not channelled through Irish NGOs such as Concern and GOAL. [4062/01]

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs (Ms O'Donnell)

In the situation of increased and sustained funding which I have advocated since assuming my present responsibilities, the role of NGOs is being strengthened. This is manifested by increased levels of funding. The provisional out-turn for the aid programme in 2000 is approximately £210 million, of which £138 million is under the direct control of Ireland Aid through the Department of Foreign Affairs. NGOs received approximately £19 million directly from the Department. In addition, we estimate that approximately £8.35 million was dispersed to NGOs via APSO and NCDE. Both organisations are directly funded by Ireland Aid. Therefore, a total of £27.35 million was allocated to NGOs which represents almost 20% of the funds under direct Ireland Aid control for expenditure purposes. A number of Irish NGOs also receive funds from multilateral agencies, such as the UN and the EU to which the Irish Government contributes from its development co-operation budget.

Official development assistance, ODA, in 2001 will reach a record level of £261 million, of which £189 million will be under the direct control of Ireland Aid through the Department of Foreign Affairs. It is my intention to outline in the Ireland Aid annual report the amounts disbursed to the largest NGOs. The Government's programme of development co-operation recognises the excellent work which NGOs undertake in development efforts throughout the developing world. This programme has built strong and solid relationships with all of our NGO partners and missionary orders over the years. To further strengthen this relationship my Department is currently examining the provision of multi-annual programme budgeting for those NGOs who have the capacity to programme in this way. This process will give increased focus to qualitative outcomes, impact and rigorous evaluation in order that we can share lessons learned and continuously adopt a best practice approach.