asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline briefly the current famine situation in Africa; and the changes in aid policy he envisages to try to help meet the problem.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - African Famine.
9.
Indications are that while sufficient food is available overall to meet current requirements in the countries of Africa affected by famine in 1984 and earlier this year serious difficulties remain in some areas because of logistical problems. Significant efforts are being made by the countries concerned, with the support of the international community, to overcome these problems.
In so far as the future is concerned, the prospects are that the forthcoming harvest will be better as a result of more favourable climatic conditions than has been the case in recent years. Nevertheless, a continuing relief effort will be required because of the disruptions of the past year. These disruptions included, population movements in search of food as well as voluntary and organised migrations from arid to more productive areas. As a result, there has been reduced planting in some areas. Moreover many vulnerable people do not have the purchasing power to acquire the food which is available. The main lesson to be drawn from the recent tragic events in Africa is the necessity of enhancing the capacity of the affected countries, and of the international community, to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies of this kind. In addition there is the fundamental need to address the basic question of development and, in particular, of food production in the countries at risk.
As the House will be aware, the Irish aid programme is concentrated on four priority countries in Africa and about 50 per cent of our assistance is directed towards agricultural and rural development. The national economic plan, Building on Reality, provides for a very significant increase in the resources available to this programme.
Is the Minister aware that some of the agencies involved on the ground in these famine-stricken countries, who advised us of the pending disaster of famine which did take place eventually last year, are now advising that there will be insufficient food, particularly in Ethopia, as a result of the present crops not being satisfactory? Does the Minister agree that we should pay far more attention to the advice coming from these agencies and, if so, will he ensure that much of the food stocked throughout Europe at a cost of £7,500 million per day should at this early stage be transferred to those countries and held in reserve to alleviate famine when it comes?
Most of the world organisations who are concerned about famine in Africa, including the EC, the World Health Organisation and the United Nations seem to agree with the assessment I have given, that overall there is enough food even though there are problems in specific areas. Perhaps the Deputy is referring to a report which emerged during the last few days from Concern in this regard. The director of Concern arrived home the day before yesterday and I have asked the Department to invite him in to discuss the situation. When we have had the benefit of his expertise I will have a clearer picture.
I commend the Minister for his initiative in making arrangements to meet the director of Concern. However, the Minister must surely be aware that some British newspapers had a comprehensive report at the weekend on the situation as I outlined it and they all seem to be certain that there will be another great disaster unless we make a positive and genuine effort to lay on food stocks within these countries. Does the Minister agree that if we wait until famine occurs we will have the same difficulties to overcome and that many thousands of people will die?
I agree that we must be ready to respond quickly and effectively to any emergency which arises. The development Ministers of the EC were discussing this problem yesterday and they are very much aware of the necessity to be ready. Regarding reports which appeared in some British newspapers over the weekend, it is because of the apparent contradiction in those reports that we have asked the director of Concern to talk to us.
Will the Minister give the House an undertaking that, notwithstanding anything in Building on Reality he will introduce a plan and time scale for the introduction of UN target achievements for Third World aid as we are sadly lagging behind in this respect?
I could not give such an undertaking to the House, I would have to consult with the Government and I will certainly bring it to their attention.
Does that mean that Building on Reality has been shelved?
Oh no, nothing like that.