I propose to take Questions Nos. 218 and 219 together.
The Government's international development programme, Irish Aid, focuses on supporting countries and communities most in need, including those living in extreme poverty, those highly vulnerable to the impact of climate change, and populations affected by conflict.
Ireland’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) comprises funding for programmes delivered through Irish Aid under Vote 27 of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade; contributions from other Government Departments toward international development; Ireland’s share of the EU Development Cooperation Budget; and eligible first-year supports for refugees in Ireland. In 2024, the Vote 27 outturn was €771.3 million out of a total ODA expenditure of €2.35 billion. The corresponding Vote 27 figures were €733.5 million in 2023 and €636.7 million in 2022.
For the period 2022–2024, the total value of funding recovered under Vote 27 was €1,902,957 in 2022; €734,407 in 2023; and €1,281,475 in 2024. The number of instances is not quantified, as refunds may appear as single or multiple entries within the Department of Foreign Affairs financial systems. These recovered amounts primarily relate to programmatic adjustments arising from changes in programme implementation contexts. Where feasible, recovered funding is reassigned within the overall development programme for the relevant year.
The Department does not maintain a central register of suspensions, withheld payments, financial corrections, or clawbacks. However, statistics relating to suspected and alleged fraud are published online by the Department. For the period up to 31 December 2024, they can be accessed at: assets.ireland.ie/documents/Fraud_Report_to_Irish_Aid_Website_DCAD_2021_-_2024_as_at_31.12.2024.pdf.
In accordance with the Department’s Counter-Fraud Policy and the terms and conditions of grant agreements, all funding partners are required to report any instances or suspicions of fraud immediately. Partners must also provide ongoing updates to the Department on all investigations into potential fraud.
