Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 May 2026
794. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will outline the value-for-money assessment carried out before allocating funds to non-governmental organisations involved in migrant integration programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38962/26]
View answerThe Department operates a number of EU and national funding schemes related to migration and integration.
All EU and national funding applications are assessed and scored in adherence with assessment criteria which are set out within the published guidelines for applicants.
Value for money is one of the criteria under which all funding applications are assessed, where the benefits of the project are assessed against the costs. Applicants must demonstrate achievement of maximum output for the proposed budget in a number of ways such as providing a clear and well-structured budget, ensuring costs are in line with market norms, and that overall costs are realistic and relevant.
Expected project outcomes are described in each application for funding and are assessed on their merits.
Multi-annual projects are required to submit periodic reports in order to unlock tranches of funding. All projects are required to submit a final project upon completion along with supporting documentation. The reports are reviewed to assess the performance of the project, whether it met the stated outcomes, and whether the funds were spent as outlined in the original funding application.
Any funding that has been deemed misspent, or underspent, is recouped by the Department. All funding is subject to internal and external audits. Audits can be conducted by the Internal Audit Division, and the Comptroller and Auditor General.
Additionally, audits of EU funding can be conducted by Irelands ESF+ Audit Authority, the European Anti-Fraud Office and the European Court of Auditors.
