Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:77 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is satisfied that all humanitarian aid is received by those for whom it is intended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26451/02]
Written Answers. - Overseas Development Aid.
Ireland Aid channels its humanitarian aid to those most in need through NGOs and international agencies which have established international reputations for the efficient and effective way they deliver emergency and humanitarian assistance to those most in need. These agencies and organisations include, inter alia, Concern, Trócaire, Goal, Oxfam, Christian Aid, World Food Programme, the Red Cross Family, UNHCR and UNICEF.
The key priority for Ireland Aid in emergency situations is the saving of lives through the provision of food, shelter, water, sanitation and health services. Ireland Aid's partner organisations have a worldwide presence and differing but complementary areas of expertise. Ireland Aid selects partners for particular emergencies based on the specific immediate needs of the affected populations and the comparative advantage each agency enjoys.
Ireland Aid has a funding contract with each of its partner agencies. This contract is designed to ensure financial accountability for taxpayers' money, but also to ensure that Ireland Aid's emergency priorities are addressed by the agen cies. These agencies themselves undertake internal and external auditing and evaluation processes. Monitoring reports are provided both during and after the emergency programmes. There is a continuous dialogue between Ireland Aid and the agencies during programme implementation. Follow-up evaluations and audits are undertaken by Ireland Aid through its evaluation and audit unit. In line with the increase in funding available through the aid programme the number and extent of evaluations will also increase. In 2003 a number of major evaluations and audits will be undertaken in the emergency and humanitarian sector.
Ireland Aid officials frequently visit emergency programmes to ascertain the needs and situation on the ground and to dialogue with a wide range of individuals and organisations directly involved or affected by natural or man-made emergencies. This information is fed back directly into the decision-making processes at headquarters to ensure that the response is informed, flexible and meets the needs of the poorest and the most vulnerable. In 2002 visits were made to countries in southern Africa, the Horn of Africa, Afghanistan, Palestine and East Timor. Similar fact-finding and monitoring missions will take place in 2003.
The effect of these various measures is to ensure that the humanitarian aid provided by the Government gets through to those who need it most and who are most vulnerable in emergency situations throughout the world.