Aid agency Goal rejects state audit allegations

International aid agency Goal has rejected suggestions that it withheld information from government auditors during an examination of how it spent €14 million in state funding.

In a statement, the charity said it “rejects entirely” claims in a Sunday newspaper that it failed to co-operate fully with Irish Aid, the arm of the Department of Foreign Affairs responsible for the Government’s overseas aid budget. As part of its remit, Irish Aid routinely audits all its beneficiaries to ensure public funds are properly spent.

Goal said it “co-operates fully with its external auditors and has a strong track record of compliance and cost-effectiveness over the last 35 years”.