Vol. 513 No. 1
181 Mr. Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will set aside a budget line to Irish operational non-governmental organisations with a proven track record in relief and development work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1282/00]
Ireland Aid has an important and valuable partnership relationship with Irish NGOs as well as with Irish missionary orders active in development and humanitarian relief assistance. This partnership benefits the organisations themselves in terms of financial support for projects and the Ireland aid programme through the experience and contribution of such organisations.
Support for projects carried out by these organisations is provided under three main funding programmes – the NGO co-financing scheme, the human rights and democratisation scheme, and the emergency relief and rehabilitation assistance scheme. Organisations can apply for project funding under each of these schemes for different aspects of their activities. Funding arrangements are related to the purpose of the various spending programmes, and not the nature of the recipient organisations NGOs, International organisations, etc.
In recognition of their capacity and track record, five of the largest Irish NGOs – Concern, Trócaire, GOAL, Self Help Development International and Christian Aid – receive an annual block grant from Ireland Aid for development projects. This provides both recipients and Ireland aid greater administrative flexibility and allows block grant recipients freedom to select projects within agreed criteria.
I believe that no practical purpose would be served by having a separate NGO budget line as it would still be necessary to apply existing criteria in relation to quality, sustainability, accountability, etc. to funding applications. Accordingly, I can see no reason to introduce a separate budget line for NGOs.
Details of all funding to NGOs are contained in the Ireland Aid annual reports, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas Library.
