Vol. 478 No. 5
23 Mr. Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of our diplomatic relations with North Korea; and the efforts, if any we have made to provide that country with food and medical aid during the current famine situation.[11464/97]
Ireland does not have diplomatic relations with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. A grant of IR£50,000 was agreed recently for relief of famine victims in North Korea. The assistance is being channelled through Trócaire, which is working closely with the implementing agency, the World Food Programme (WFP). The WFP has been liaising closely with the North Korean authorities to ensure that aid is targeted at those in greatest need. Irish assistance to the WFP represents around 5 per cent of the total appeal. A total of IR£65,000 was granted for famine relief in North Korea last year.
