The launch of the Multi Annual Programming Scheme (MAPS) in 2003 marked a historic point in the very constructive evolution of collaboration between the Government and development agencies.  Irish Aid supports five partner agencies through the MAPS scheme: Concern, Trócaire, GOAL, Christian Aid and Self Help Development International.

The purpose of the MAPS scheme is to provide predictable funding over a number of years to support the long term development programmes of the five partner agencies in many of the world’s poorest countries.

The MAPS scheme involves a significant injection of funds to programmes aimed at reducing poverty, improving availability of and access to education, health, water, sanitation, food and shelter, and, importantly, strengthening the capacity of people in the developing world to pursue their human, economic and social rights and to live in peace with justice and dignity.

Under the terms of the partnership agreements which were concluded between Irish Aid and the five participating NGOs, the Government provided €171 million over the period 2003-6. 

In 2005, Irish Aid commissioned an independent evaluation of MAPS. The evaluation’s purpose was to assess the progress of the scheme with particular focus on international best practice and efficiency.

The Scheme was found to be broadly achieving its objectives and that it was contributing to an improved partnership between Irish Aid  and the five NGOs
The Evaluation of the Development Cooperation Ireland Multi-Annual Programme Scheme 2003-2005 – Synthesis Report, is available in pdf format at www.irishaid.gov.ie

MAPS II began on 1 January, 2007.  This is a five year scheme covering the period 2007-11. Under the scheme the following allocations have been made for 2008: 

Partner MAPS 2008
Christian Aid      €3,580,772
Concern           €26,000,000
GOAL               €17,787,000
SHDI                €3,500,000
Trócaire            €20,000,000

Total                €70,867,772

Civil Society Section,
Irish Aid,
Jan 2008.