Cionnach Shank's in his evaluation states: "Here, we understand accountability as the way in which CARP is responsible (in all its functions) to those with whom it comes into contact. How transparent is the service? Can everyone see how it works so that it might be changed or developed? "

CARP is accountable to:

• its clients: for the supply of a service; safety; confidentiality to opiate users and their children

• the community: by addressing the needs of the Killinarden locality

• agencies and institutions: by taking into account the requirements of other agencies

• its funders: for disbursement of monies supplied to the project to achieve particular objectives

The category of accountability is a difficult one for CARP - both as a local organisation and as a drug agency. Clients, for example, may well be in a condition where they fail to appreciate the workings of the project. Elements within the community - particularly some of those who use the community centre - was originally opposed to the project's location and although this has been partially resolved, some residual antagonism exists. For agencies and institutions, the necessity for confidentially and sensitivity requires a relationship of trust with the CARP project. For funders, the management of the organisation can use such mechanisms as this evaluation to make visible the operations and dynamic of the organisation as well as problems, lacks and opportunities for change and development. Accountability however is to all intents similar to responsibility . Information gathered during the course of the project demonstrates that CARP operates at a highly principled and responsible level. In turn, clients interviewed show a high degree of trust and as such reciprocate the responsibility adopted by CARP. Clients demonstrate an awareness of the limits of confidentiality, for example.

Looking at information-sharing, it is clear that the nature of the relationship between accountability and confidentiality is dominated by power. That power must be acknowledged and applied effectively. The CARP project has shown that this inherent power relationship can be exercised judiciously, constructively and in the best interest of its clients."