The Government's aid programme, which is managed by Irish Aid in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, is sharply focused on the fight against global poverty and hunger. It is recognised internationally for its effectiveness, and for its concentration on some of the poorest countries and communities in sub-Saharan Africa.
Irish Aid channels a higher proportion of overall assistance through development Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) than other international donors, reflecting the strong support of the Irish people for the work of NGOs and missionaries. This assistance is provided to support the long term development and humanitarian work of NGOs, in accordance with the objectives of the Government's aid programme.
This partnership between Irish Aid and NGOs is strategically directed to ensure that aid reaches those for whom it is intended with a particular focus on the poorest and most vulnerable communities in sub-Saharan Africa. Irish Aid has established strict eligibility criteria to determine which NGOs are eligible to apply for significant grant funding. The main eligibility criteria include a proven organisational capacity for the effective use of funding and a solid track record of delivery. All proposals for funding from NGOs are rigorously appraised by Irish Aid staff using clear criteria, including quality of intended impact, sustainability, cost effectiveness and efficiency in the use of resources. This appraisal process ensures that Irish Aid funding is directed towards those partners with the capacity to deliver in the fight against global hunger and poverty.
NGO programmes in receipt of funding are subject to regular internal and external monitoring to ensure the intended objectives and goals are being accomplished. All programmes are evaluated and audited by independent experts as well as by the Evaluation and Audit Unit of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The Unit's work is regularly reviewed by the independent Audit Committee of the Department.
The most recent international report on development assistance, the 2010 Survey of the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness, ranked Ireland highest among EU Member States for the delivery of our commitments on aid quality. Our NGO partners play a crucial role as we strive to achieve the maximum benefit from Ireland's development co-operation programme and its contribution to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.
I believe our continued focus on appraisal, regular monitoring, independent evaluations and audit provides assurance that those funds channelled though NGOs are very closely monitored and used for the purposes intended.
