Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 October 2016
33. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if officials in his Department have met with the new general manager of a charity (details supplied); if he will confirm that Irish Aid funding to the charity is still suspended; and if this is due to the ongoing investigations into the allegations of bribery and bid rigging against the charity. [31793/16]
View answerI am seriously concerned about the issues under investigation by the US authorities. Minister Flanagan outlined the Government's concerns to the Chair and members of the Board of Goal in a meeting last month. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has been closely engaged with the Board of Goal since these issues emerged.
Given the seriousness of the issues involved, we indicated to Goal that the Department would withhold a total of €10.1 million in planned humanitarian and development funding for the organisation, pending greater clarity on the issues raised in the investigation and on Goal's plans to address them.
I believe that the Chair and Board of Goal are making determined efforts to address this situation. They recognise the need to demonstrate that the organisation can meet the governance standards which the Irish public expects of the NGOs it so consistently and generously supports for their humanitarian and development work.
Last week, Goal announced the appointment of an interim General Manager to assist in the process of organisational reform. I welcome that. I understand she will take up her position on 1 November, and my officials will be in contact with her.
The Department is also maintaining regular contact with the Board of Goal on its plans, and with the US authorities and other international donors.
