Gay Mitchell
Question:118 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the assurance, if any, he will give that none of the funding by Ireland of any UN organisation will be used for the purpose of funding abortion. [11984/99]
Written Answers. - Non-Funding for Abortions.
The UN population fund, UNFPA, provides assistance in the field of population including family planning, awareness and information programmes in response to requests from developing countries. Ireland recognises the importance of such activities for development and has been providing voluntary contributions to UNFPA since 1993. These contributions totalled £369,000 in 1998.
Ireland is currently a member of the executive board of UNFPA, 1998-2000.
UNFPA does not provide support for abortion or abortion-related activities. Its policy, as laid down by its governing council in 1985, specifically states that UNFPA is "not to provide assistance for abortions, abortion services or abortion-related equipment and supplies as a method of family planning". Furthermore, we have received a categorical assurance from UNFPA that it has not and does not support any act pertaining to abortion.