UN agencies waste aid funds, says Goal

United Nations agencies have become "top-heavy dinosaurs" that waste funds donated by Ireland and other states, according to the aid agency Goal.

Contributing money to UN agencies does not, therefore, represent the most cost-effective use of Irish aid money, the agency says in a submission to the review of Ireland Aid currently under way.

Goal echoes a call by another agency, Concern, for a new body to be set up to administer the Irish aid budget. This body would include returned volunteers or missionaries with experience of working overseas, and TDs or senators with an interest in the area.

Trocaire, in its submission, is critical of delays in Government funding for agencies dealing with disasters and other emergencies. It also says too much EU aid goes on the Balkans and the Mediterranean instead of the poorest countries in Africa.

Trocaire also calls for reviews of APSO's role (Agency for Personal Service Overeas) and the Irish Aid Advisory Committee.