I propose to take Questions Nos. 130, 137 and 138 together.
The central objectives of the Irish programme of development co-operation are the reduction of poverty and the promotion of sustainable development. This includes meeting the basic human needs of some of the world's poorest people by improving their access to food, water, health services, sanitation, education and employment.
The geographical focus of our bilateral programme is on a number of countries in sub-Saharan Africa, the poorest region in the world. Development Co-operation Ireland provides long-term development assistance to six programme countries – Ethiopia, Lesotho, Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia – as well as South Africa. Timor Leste is our only programme country outside this poor region. In line with other donors, the Irish programme operates in partnership with the governments of these countries and agrees strategies with them to ensure that Irish interventions respond effectively to their development needs. One aim, among others, is to help build up the capacity of these governments to manage their own affairs, which in turn strengthens their sense of ownership of the whole development process.
A robust system for oversight and accountability is required in an environment of dire poverty and the corruption usually associated with it. Development Co-operation Ireland provides this through a rigorous system of evaluation, monitoring and audit in all our country programmes. All accounts and expenditure are audited. There is a strong, comprehensive monitoring process, involving close co-ordination with other donors, which acts as a quality control on the programme. The evaluation approach allows for a forensic examination of interventions to measure effectiveness and identify lessons learned. These systems are reviewed regularly and updated as necessary. The effect of all of these safeguards is that our bilateral aid reaches those for whom it is intended.