Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 Dec 1997

Vol. 485 No. 2

Written Answers. - New Guinea Famine.

Dick Spring

Question:

94 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the grave famine situation which currently exists in New Guinea; and the action, if any, being taken at EU level to alleviate the situation in Papua New Guinea. [22862/97]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Andrews)

I assure the Deputy that I am aware of the current situation in New Guinea, and in this context the Government has recently made an allocation of £50,000 for humanitarian relief to the island. The grant will be channelled through the United Nations Department of Humanitarian Affairs, which is providing relief supplies, medical assistance and transport to the worst affected areas. The grant will be divided equally between the DHA appeals for Irian Jaya and Papua New Guinea respectively.

The El Nino phenomenon has badly affected the entire island of New Guinea, which is shared by Indonesia — Irian Jaya/West Papua — and Papua New Guinea. No significant rainfall has occurred in some areas since April 1997 and even if rains were to start immediately food stocks will be depleted before the next harvest. The current drought has been exacerbated by the lack of cloud cover which has caused frost and destroyed many crops. In addition, fires have destroyed large areas of forest and agricultural land with implications for food security.

UN and International Committee of the Red Cross assessments indicate that at least 500,000 people in Papua New Guinea are currently suffering from food shortages and deteriorating health conditions. Attempts to provide assistance are being hindered by the lack of roads to the interior and smoke from fires is restricting access to many areas which can only be reached by air.

At EU level, the European Community Humanitarian Office has provided 250,000 ECU to Papua New Guinea. ECHO's funding has been channelled through the NGO Cafod, for water sanitation products, and the ICRC, for food aid. In addition, the Australian Government is committed to providing substantial assistance. Other donors have also responded to the appeal for international assistance. The situation is being monitored by the Department of Foreign Affairs and the possibility of providing further humanitarian aid will be considered in the coming months.