Minister Welcomes New Report on Ireland’s Assistance to Mozambique. Value for Money and Policy Review of Irish Aid’s Support to Mozambique, 2001-2006

Mr. Michael Kitt TD, Minister for Overseas Development, welcomed the publication of an important Value for Money Review of Ireland’s support to Mozambique.  The review was conducted by independent external evaluators as part of the Government’s Value for Money and Policy Review initiative whose core objective is to assess what is being achieved by Exchequer spending.

The Minister welcomes the report’s overall finding that the Ireland’s Mozambique aid programme has performed well and is clearly linked with Mozambique’s own Poverty Reduction Strategy.  The Minister is pleased that Ireland is perceived by the Mozambique Government as a truly cooperating partner with a balanced approach towards development assistance.

The Minister said, “It gives me great pleasure that in Mozambique the scourge of HIV/AIDS is being effectively addressed by the Government of Mozambique with the assistance of Ireland and other organisations we support, including the Clinton Foundation”.

On the issue of budget support, for which the report recommends an increase in expenditure levels, the Minister said, “I welcome the finding that budget support is assisting the Government of Mozambique to reduce poverty levels and helping people live a better and more decent life. At this time, however, my view is that our level of budget support is sufficient. I believe that, in general, we must use a mix of channels, including budget support, but that we should also continue to work with Local Government, Non-Governmental Organisations and missionaries”.

Ends + + +
Press Office
13/01/08