Sir, Joan Burton, Minister for State, recently announced the establishment of a rapid response unit to assist in humanitarian emergencies in the developing world. However I note that at the recent launch of this initiative she commented that it was easy "when faced with a humanitarian crisis, to rush in with well meaning but ill conceived and badly planned interventions."
I hope the Minister does not intend the establishment of this initiative as a reflection on the dedicated, generous and lifesaving work of countless missionaries, doctors, nurses, engineers, members of the Defence Forces and thousands of others who have given of themselves selflessly in the face of humanitarian crisis. I think in particular of the work of Irish professionals which had been recognised internationally in such diverse places as Ethiopia, Somalia and the Great Lakes region.
Were such an erroneous impression to be given out I for one, feel it would be in bad taste.
The increase in Exchequer funds channelled into Overseas Development Assistance is to be, welcomed. However, the question must be asked in the context of the above comments why such a. relatively small percentage of Irish taxpayer's money is entrusted for such important tasks to Irish missionaries or Irish indigenous operational aid agencies. Why are such large sums of money handed over directly to governments or international agencies which, at the very least, have questionable reputations for honesty and accountability.
Surely the transparency and effectiveness of Irish NGO's and missionary groups must merit a significant budget line, when so much money is being channelled into anonymous UN agencies and projects of doubtful value. Your editorial "Development Aid" squarely puts the case for openness and transparency in an area of spending which has trebled in the past five years to £122 million. Is the money being well spent? Is it being spent on those for whom it is intended, the poor in the developing world? How effective is it?
I would suggest these points beg the question why are accountable Irish missionaries and aid agencies not significant recipients of Irish taxpayer's money? Yours, etc.,
GOAL,
PO Box 19,
Dun Laoghaire,
Co Dublin.