Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 October 2015
310. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the measures that have been taken to monitor the spending of agencies in receipt of Irish Aid to ensure there is a strong record of accountability and transparency in the way the funds are spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37035/15]
View answerAs Minister of State with responsibility for Ireland’s Official Development Assistance, I am keenly aware of the need for a high level of assurance that our development assistance reaches its intended beneficiaries, and makes a real difference in the lives of the poorest people. Ireland’s Policy for International Development, One World, One Future, makes clear our commitment to maximising the impact and accountability of the aid programme. The One World, One Future Framework for Action which was published in 2014, operationalises this commitment. The Framework is now the basis for measuring performance and demonstrating accountability of the Irish Aid programme, and it is being used to ensure that the structures and systems are in place to provide for the effective delivery of planned results.
To ensure that our assistance is delivering results for those most in need in developing countries, Irish Aid works in close partnership with national and local Governments, local communities, NGOs, and key multilateral partners such as the United Nations, the European Union, and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development.
Accountability and transparency is at the core of all we do. All programmes being considered for funding assistance are rigorously appraised by Irish Aid staff against clear criteria, including efficiency in the use of resources, and the capacity of the implementing organisations to deliver results and account for resources received. Programmes in receipt of funding are subject to regular internal and external monitoring to ensure that the intended results are being achieved and resources have been used appropriately. This monitoring is undertaken by a combination of specialist staff, Embassy-based internal auditors, independent experts, and the Evaluation and Audit Unit of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. That Unit’s work is regularly reviewed by the independent Audit Committee of my Department. In addition, the Comptroller and Auditor General provides independent assurance that Official Development Assistance is being provided in accordance with the law, is managed to good effect, and is properly accounted for. Peer reviews by the OECD have clearly stated that Ireland’s aid programme is of the highest quality, characterised by its focus on poverty reduction and building the capacities of poor communities and national institutions in some of the poorest countries in the world.
Strengthening institutions is a key element in maximising the impact of the aid programme and ensuring results and accountability. In our key partner countries, we provide assistance to national Government oversight institutions, such as the Auditor General’s Offices and the Public Accounts Committees of National Parliaments, to ensure Governments are held to account for the effective expenditure of public funds.
The Irish Aid annual report functions as a core accountability document and provides a comprehensive overview of expenditure under the aid programme. It demonstrates the results that have been achieved. The latest annual report, for 2014, and detailed information on the aid programme are accessible on the Irish Aid website, www.irishaid.ie.
