Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 November 2012
176. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the amount of the Irish overseas aid budget provided in direct aid to foreign Governments; the amount provided to non-governmental organisation; the factors that are considered when deciding which funding stream is more appropriate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52477/12]
View answerThe Government is strongly committed to Ireland’s overseas aid programme, which is a central element in our foreign policy. The programme is recognised internationally for its high quality, its strong focus on the fight against poverty and hunger, and its concentration on the poorest countries and communities of sub-Saharan Africa.
In 2011, €657 million was provided by the Government in Official Development Assistance (ODA).Of this total, approximately €520 million, representing 79% of total ODA, was managed by my Department through Irish Aid. The remaining €137 million (including Ireland’s contribution to the EU development cooperation budget) was overseen by other Government Departments.
Irish Aid provides assistance to developing countries either directly through bilateral assistance, or indirectly, through multilateral organisations. Irish Aid delivers bilateral ODA through a variety of channels. These include working in cooperation with Governments, local authorities, local communities, Non Governmental Organisations and international organisations.
A key element of Ireland’s bilateral assistance is our support for long term strategic partnerships with selected countries to support programmes for reducing poverty and advancing national development. The Programme Countries benefiting from this support are Ethiopia, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Timor Leste, Uganda, Vietnam and Zambia. The programme in Timor Leste will conclude in 2013.
When deciding the most appropriate delivery channel for particular aid interventions, Irish Aid takes into consideration the stability of the political environment, the reliability, accountability and transparency of government systems and the existence of effective and accountable locally-based and international Non Governmental Organisations. In 2011, €121.6 million (or 27% of bilateral ODA) was directed through Government systems in Programme Countries. The oversight, implementation and the impact of Irish Aid funded activities is closely supervised by staff based at our Embassies and offices. In addition, all proposals for Irish Aid funding in Programme Countries are rigorously appraised by Irish Aid staff in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, as well as by the Programme Appraisal and Evaluation Group which includes external appraisal.
In 2011, €167 million (or 37% of bilateral ODA) was directed though Non Governmental Organisations including missionary organisations. Support was directed to these organisations following a full assessment of their capacity to manage and account for Irish Aid funds received and agreement about what results will be achieved as a result of this assistance.
The aid programme seeks to achieve a balance of delivery systems to ensure it remains effective. NGOs are supported because they work closely with local communities and groups. They also work closely with government systems in order to provide and supplement national services such as health, education and agricultural extension. Governments are supported because they have responsibility for implementing programmes and strengthening institutions that will have a lasting impact on reducing poverty. To achieve effective results in development it is important to work with NGOs, governments, local authorities and specialised organisations to bring about the lasting change necessary of development aid to become unnecessary. This is the outcome to which we are all working.
