Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 21 Apr 1998

Vol. 489 No. 6

Written Answers. - Indonesian Military Actions.

Tom Enright

Question:

204 Mr. Enright asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the disturbing reports that the Indonesian military are refusing access to church and other voluntary groups who wish to reach populations in the south of West Papua who are very vulnerable and who are facing loss of life in the famine and drought crisis; and if he will outline the action the Government intends to take to try and assist those people. [9107/98]

Michael Creed

Question:

209 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will register the Government's disapproval with the Indonesian authorities on foot of the actions of the Indonesian military who are refusing access to church groups in the south of West Papua who wish to reach populations vulnerable in the famine and drought crisis. [9488/98]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Andrews)

I propose to answer Questions Nos. 204 and 209 together.

I refer the Deputy to the written reply given to Question 59 on 2 April. In that reply, I expressed the Government's concern regarding disturbing reports from Irian Jaya-West Papua that the Indonesian authorities might be interfering with the activities of church groups and hampering the distribution of humanitarian relief supplies in the area. As I pointed out on that occasion, the matter is being raised with partners in the European Union and an approach will be made to the Indonesian authorities if considered appropriate in the light of our consultations and inquiries.

Since April of last year, the humanitarian situation in drought-affected Irian Jaya has been a source of concern. Indeed, the entire island of New Guinea, which is shared by Irian Jaya-West Papua and by Papua New Guinea, has been suffering from the effects of drought, which has caused widespread malnutrition. The United Nations estimates that approximately 10 per cent of the popuulation has been affected.

The Government has attempted to alleviate the situation by contributing to humanitarian assistance operations, in particular to efforts being made by the United Nations Department of Humanitarian Affairs (UNDHA) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). A total of £150,000 has been provided by the Government over the past four months. The greater part of these funds (£125,000) has been specifically earmarked for use in Irian Jaya.