Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 November 2016
122. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which overseas aid continues to be made available to those for whom it was intended notwithstanding the difficulties experienced in the past throughout Africa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36553/16]
View answerI am acutely aware of the need for a high degree of assurance that our overseas aid continues to reach its intended beneficiaries, even in challenging environments.
Ireland has long been committed to making a difference in the lives of the poorest people. Ireland’s Official Development Assistance increased in 2016, demonstrating the continuing importance we place on providing aid to address poverty, hunger and humanitarian crises around the world.
To deliver results for those most in need across a variety of contexts, Irish Aid works in close partnership with local and national Governments, NGOs, and multilateral partners including the United Nations and the European Union. Ireland’s development programme has maintained a strong focus on Sub-Saharan Africa and on other countries where the need is greatest. We work in very difficult environments. Eight of the top ten recipient countries of Irish development assistance are in Africa.
The Government’s Policy for International Development, One World One Future, has a strong focus on supporting the most vulnerable and poorest communities. A high standard of monitoring of the policy’s implementation by Irish Aid and all its partners is maintained through the use of a detailed framework which sets out clear objectives, targets and a monitoring mechanism.
To ensure that the aid reaches its intended beneficiaries, high standards of accountability are essential. 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 independent 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 this 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.
