Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 March 2004
138 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position in regard to the fight against starvation on the African continent; the extent to which this country can offer unilaterally or in conjunction with others, urgently required assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10292/04]
Amharc ar fhreagra140 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has satisfied himself that the structures currently in place are adequate to prevent overseas development aid from getting into the wrong hands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10294/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 138 and 140 together.
I am deeply conscious of the enormity of the challenges facing African nations as they seek to build the foundations of economic and social development, often in a climate of hunger, disease and conflict. The reduction of poverty, hunger and insecurity is one of the most important tasks to which the international community can dedicate itself in the 21st century.
The challenges facing the international community can only be overcome when donors such as Ireland, the EU and others work hand in hand with United Nations agencies dedicated to relieving poverty, tackling famine and reducing conflict.
Ireland responds in two ways to the humanitarian and development needs of Africa. In the short term, we focus on saving lives in the most effective way possible, through direct assistance via the UN system and international agencies as well as non-governmental organisations, NGOs. In the longer term, Ireland's development programme tackles the structural reasons underlying endemic poverty.
Last year the Government's humanitarian assistance to African countries amounted to more than €20 million. Humanitarian interventions were designed to reduce the effects of famine, disease and conflict on some of the most vulnerable populations in Africa, with a particular emphasis on women and children. Our direct humanitarian assistance is complemented by ongoing political action. In relation to food insecurity, we have been working closely with our partners in the EU and the UN to develop strategies on how immediate needs can best be met at national and regional level.
In November last, Ireland hosted the launch of the 2004 UN humanitarian appeal. The appeal is a key instrument for the humanitarian community and acts as the principal vehicle for strategic planning and resource mobilisation. It facilitates effective and efficient responses to famines and other emergencies by fostering collaboration among key humanitarian agencies including NGOs, donors and host governments. In hosting the launch, I highlighted chronic humanitarian emergencies, particularly in Africa, which have faded from public consciousness or indeed have never been funded sufficiently.
At EU level, Ireland hosted an informal meeting of the Humanitarian Affairs Committee in Dublin last week. This meeting brought together senior representatives from the humanitarian offices in member states and the Commission to share information in relation to the effective management and implementation of humanitarian aid.
The underlying structural problems contributing to poverty and instability must be addressed if we are to break the cycle of food insecurity, disease and conflict in the African continent. The main geographical focus of Ireland's bilateral programme is sub-Saharan Africa, the poorest region in the world. Within the framework of three-year country strategy papers, CSPs, Development Co-operation Ireland provides long-term development assistance to six programme countries in Africa — Ethiopia, Lesotho, Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia — as well as South Africa. In line with other donors, we operate in partnership with the governments of these countries and agree our strategies with them to ensure that our interventions respond effectively to their development needs. We help to build up the capacity of these governments to manage their own affairs, which in turn strengthens their sense of ownership of the whole development process.
Obviously a key issue, when one is operating in an environment of dire poverty and the corruption usually associated with it, is to have robust processes for oversight and accountability. In line with best practice, the Development Co-operation Ireland programme provides this through a rigorous system of evaluation, monitoring and audit. All accounts and expenditure are audited. There is a strong, comprehensive monitoring process, which acts as a quality control on the programme. The evaluation approach allows for a forensic examination of interventions to measure effectiveness and identify lessons learned. These systems are reviewed regularly and updated as necessary.
