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Overseas Development Aid.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 June 2004

Thursday, 24 June 2004

Questions (105)

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

103 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps taken to ensure funding provided through the overseas development aid programme goes directly to those for whom it was intended and is not intercepted by corrupt organisations or administrations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18963/04]

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Written answers

Issues at the heart of effective delivery of assistance to poor people in least-developed countries include clear objectives, a well-articulated strategy for delivery and good oversight and accountability.

As the Deputy will be aware, the central objectives of the Irish programme of development co-operation continue to be the reduction of poverty and the promotion of sustainable development. Meeting the basic human needs of some of the poorest people in the world and improving their access to food, water, health services, sanitation, education and employment are key goals of the bilateral development programme, of our interaction with multilateral institutions and of our engagement with and through NGOs.

It is of critical importance, when operating in an environment of dire poverty and the corruption frequently associated with it, to have robust processes for oversight and accountability in relation to the funding provided. The Development Co-operation Ireland programme provides this through a rigorous system of evaluation, monitoring and audit. All accounts and expenditure are audited and there is a strong, comprehensive monitoring process, 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.

I am satisfied that the auditing, evaluation and monitoring systems which we have in place ensure that the funding provided under our programme goes only to those for whom it is intended.

Question No. 104 answered with QuestionNo. 98.
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