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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Sep 1997

Vol. 480 No. 6

Written Answers - Aid for Montserrat.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

133 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the situation in Montserrat; and the steps, if any, the Irish Government directly or through the EU has taken to assist the people of the island who have a particular association with Ireland. [14624/97]

The Government is closely monitoring the evolving situation in Montserrat and the difficulties currently experienced by the population of the island. As the Deputy will be aware, continuing volcanic eruptions on the island have gradually rendered large parts of the island uninhabitable. Citizens of Montserrat have been provided with emergency shelter assistance by the British Government and a large percentage of the population have been voluntarily evacuated from the island over the past number of weeks. I understand from the British authorities that due to further volcanic activity in the past few days, the total area of the island considered safe has been further reduced. An estimated 5,000 now remain on the island and latest reports indicate that over half of these have now signed up for voluntary evacuation.

Ireland, in common with our EU partners, has supported the people of Montserrat through the provision of financial support under the Lomé Convention. A total of 7.9 million ECU was provided to the island under the 7th European Development Fund. In addition to this, a total of 350,000 ECU was allocated to Montserrat for the provision of emergency housing under the EU humanitarian budget. I understand that proposals for further support will be considered by the Commission within the coming week.

We have received no requests for additional assistance.

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