Madam, - I work in Tanzania and I am writing about the Irish Government's cutbacks in aid to Uganda due to "corruption fears" (July 24th). I am wondering if "corruption fears" have now become a criterion for support to developing countries. While it is important that corruption is considered when giving support to people and countries in need, I would be concerned that we might begin to apply double standards if "corruption" becomes an overriding criteria for support. I wonder if the European Union applied the same standard to Ireland, would we continue to get the level of support we receive.
After all, Ireland can hardly afford to throw stones based on revelations coming out of various tribunals. I would hope that the standards we apply in our development work equal the standards we live and work by in Ireland.
The article notes that the "spending of Irish taxpayers' money has been the subject of sustained criticism from some quarters". I trust that those outspoken critics of corruption are themselves leading by example in the fight against corruption.
After all it takes two to tango - there has to be a giver and a receiver when corrupt practices are carried on. If organisations are working in countries which have corrupt governments, they require permission and exemptions to carry out their work.
Are they able to get all the required permissions and exemptions without engaging in corrupt practices? I trust that these critics can give the same assurances to the Irish public about the use of their resources in developing countries that they have been and are demanding from the overseas aid programme. - Yours etc.,
EAMONN BREHONY,
Arusha,
Tanzania.