Concern over Goal’s suspension from Syrian relief

The Government has demanded aid agency Goal clarify what caused a key US backer to suspend funding of its procurement programme in Turkey on foot of potential mismanagement concerns.

Irish Aid, the overseas aid arm of the Department of Foreign Affairs, said it was a cause for “serious concern” that USAID had suspended the programme through which emergency food supplies for Syria are procured.

“We have this morning demanded as a matter of urgency, a detailed report from Goal on the overall situation and on any implications for Irish Aid funding,” said a department spokesperson.