Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 8 Jun 1988

Vol. 381 No. 8

Written Answers. - Mozambique and Angola.

65.

Mr. Quinn

asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the considerable concern which has been again expressed in relation to the continuing famine situation in Mozambique; if he will give an undertaking that additional resources will be allocated from some of the proceeds of the national lottery to Mozambique and Angola because of the unique difficulties which they are experiencing as a consequence of the continued hostilities which are being undertaken in their country with the support of the Government of South Africa; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

66.

Mr. Barry

asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will arrange to make a contribution to the United Nations Pledging Conference for the relief of famine in Mozambique either from funds in his Department or from the national lottery.

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Lenihan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 65 and 66 together. My Department keep in close contact with the international and other relief agencies in Mozambique and Angola and are fully aware of the very difficult conditions in these countries. I am pleased to note that the recent United Nations pledging conference for Mozambique held on 26/27 April, 1988 raised $286.15 million in pledges for that country. A United Nations donor conference in May raised $75.38 million in pledges for Angola.

To date this year the European Community have allocated in addition to regular project aid under the Lomé Convention, 20.56 MECU in food aid plus 3 MECU in emergency aid to Mozambique, and 7.64 MECU in food aid to Angola.

In present budgetary circumstances it is not possible for my Department to allocate funds to assist relief programmes for these countries. However, the situation in these, as in other countries with severe food supply difficulties and displacement of people is being kept under review including consideration of whether there is any way in which assistance could be provided.