Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:160 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has satisfied himself that all overseas development aid goes to those for whom it was intended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27822/00]
Written Answers. - Overseas Development Aid.
Yes, I am satisfied that our allocations to the Irish aid programme go to the intended beneficiaries. Ireland Aid has strong oversight, accountability and monitoring and evaluation systems in place which ensure that all funds, whether spent through the bilateral programme, through multilateral agencies or through NGOs, are spent as intended and in line with the overriding aim of our programme of poverty reduction.
Last year the Irish programme was reviewed by its peer donors in the OECD. That review found that Ireland sets high standards for aid; that we have demonstrated that aid can work; that we have an undeviating focus on poverty reduction; that we are a strong performer in putting partnerships into practice.
This reputation for quality aid, which is at the heart of the Irish programme and implicit in which is the effectiveness of our spending, took years of patient work to build. The Government is determined, in the context of a growing programme and of its forthcoming review, to maintain and build on that hard-earned reputation.