Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 15 Jun 2000

Vol. 521 No. 3

Written Answers. - Overseas Development Aid.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

21 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will consider a request for aid from the Chief Minister of the Island of Monserrat for reconstruction work on the island following the destruction wrecked by the volcanic eruption, in view of the historic dimension between the island and Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16827/00]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

The British territory of Montserrat has been subject to continued volcanic activity over recent years. In 1997 a massive eruption led to the evacuation of the population to neighbouring islands or to the safer northern part of the island. At that time the British Government led the aid effort by providing assistance for emergency shelter and medical needs. The Caribbean community, Caricom, also provided assistance and hosted thousands who had fled the island.

While the situation has been relatively stable since 1997 there remains a significant threat of volcanic activity which has led to the southern part of the island being designated an exclusion zone. As recently as March of this year eruptions have taken place and it is presumed that this intermittent activity will continue for many years. The population has increased to 5,000 as people have returned although this still leaves another 5,000 living on neighbouring islands.

In the aftermath of the eruption in 1997 the Government received only one request for assistance to Montserrat. This was a request to support the credit union movement on the island through the Irish League of Credit Unions. A grant of £25,000 was provided for the loan fund of the credit union and this grant is still in use.

The Chief Minister of Montserrat has expressed an interest in exploring the potential for co-operation between Montserrat and Ireland. However, the type of co-operation outlined is not for the reconstruction of homes or infrastructure but to promote private sector development on Montserrat. In principle, my Department would be pleased to arrange contacts for the Montserrat authorities with the relevant State agencies who would be in a position to share the experience of Ireland's economic development. The reconstruction needs of the island are already being met through substantial funding by the British Government.