Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 July 2014
38. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding development education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28699/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government’s aid programme, Irish Aid, works on behalf of the Irish people to fight poverty and hunger in some of the poorest countries in the world. Development education is an integral element of this work, as reaffirmed in our policy for international development, One World, One Future, launched in May 2013.
In line with the recommendations of an external review in 2011, Irish Aid funding support for development education is focused on a number of new multi-annual strategic partnerships in identified priority areas. Complementary support is also provided by Irish Aid through an annual grants scheme, for the implementation of innovative, results-focused initiatives that support the achievement of the objectives of the Development Education Strategy. In recent years, Kerry One World Centre has been provided with funding from Irish Aid primarily through this scheme.
The Development Education Annual Grants Call is a competitive process. Grants are awarded based on the recommendations of a Development Education Grants Committee, which comprises independent consultants, a representative of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment and members of the Development Education Section in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Input is also received from the Department of Education and Skills. I am satisfied that the appraisal of all applications for funding is carried out fairly and independently, ensuring that all applicant organisations are assessed for grant allocations in a fair and consistent manner.
Kerry Action for Development Education have requested a meeting with officials from my Department, to include other relevant stakeholders, to discuss their role in development education. I have asked my officials to organise such a meeting.
