Madam, - John O'Shea of Goal (July 8th) bemoans the fact that Ireland does not follow the example of Britain's minister for international development, Hillary Benn, in relation to aid to Uganda.
Never one to let the facts get in the way of a good argument, he fails to mention that Britain provides - and intends to continue providing - more than £35 million a year in direct budget support to the government of Uganda.
Mr Benn has also released £5 million in budget support that was withheld last December.
The "slice" that John refers to is a cap that Britain has now placed on its direct budget support to Uganda. Direct budget support now forms approximately 50 per cent of Britain's assistance to Uganda. I presume John would not wish me to follow Britain's example in this regard.
Ireland does not provide Direct Budget Support to Uganda. This form of assistance was terminated some time ago and I do not believe that the circumstances are conducive to its reintroduction at this time. Indeed, I have already made a cut of €3 million in Ireland's assistance to Uganda.
Ireland works closely with other donors in Uganda. We share their concerns about governance and corruption. Ireland plays a strong role in the Uganda donor governance group and will assume the co-chair of the group shortly. This is an indication of the value which other donors place on our inputs into the governance agenda in Uganda.
As I have said many times, Ireland will not cut and run when difficulties occur. We will engage at the highest levels to ensure our voice is heard and that we can assist in making a difference in the lives of the poor.
This policy of critical engagement is supported by the majority of NGOs with which we work closely. - Yours, etc,
CONOR LENIHAN, Minister of State with responsibility for Development Co-operation and Human Rights, Dublin 2.