Jack Wall
Question:15 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has authorised the provision of medical relief and aid to the flood victims in eastern India; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22345/00]
Written Answers. - International Aid.
The Government is aware of and concerned about the cycle of emergencies caused by recurrent flooding and other extreme weather conditions which continue to take their toll on the people and infrastructure of India. Underlying these concerns are the displacement and suffering brought about by flooding for millions of people, particularly in the worst affected areas of north and north eastern India. Efforts to enhance development throughout the country and to resolve the impact of floods on its population are, therefore, intrinsically linked as far as issues of sustainability are concerned.
In relation to emergency responses, the Indian Government, both at central and state levels, is engaged in a continuing programme to strengthen national and local response mechanisms which can be mobilised at short notice. These are directed particularly towards annual outbreaks of wide-scale flooding and their impact on the homes and livelihoods of local populations. The armed forces of India have, therefore, been very active in the early stages, both in a rescue capacity and also in delivering food packages. The State governments have taken necessary measures for providing relief to the affected population. Local authorities in most locations have stocks of reserve food and non-food relief goods as part of their disaster preparedness strategy and are emphasising the need for basic health care and the rehabilitation of housing at a later stage.
In recognising the cyclical nature of natural disasters in India, Ireland aid shares the view that, in responding to them, long-term development strategies must also be addressed. In this regard, the Irish Government allocated £540,000 in 1999 to projects under the non-governmental organisation, co-financing scheme. So far this year, £314,000 has been granted to NGOs, including the Irish NGOs, GOAL and Trocaire. This has supported development projects in a number of Indian states. Moreover, last year, in the immediate aftermath of successive cyclones in the Indian state of Orissa, £200,000 was provided by Ireland aid in emergency assistance. A further £155,000 has been allocated this year to improve the living conditions of families affected by the cyclone.
The impact of flooding in India is being dealt with by the Indian Government in co-ordination with the UN and the Red Cross and with the support of international donors. While the Department of Foreign Affairs has received no applications from the Indian Government or from non-governmental organisations working in the areas currently affected, any such requests will be considered. At the same time, our development assistance will continue to support rehabilitative measures including, as I have outlined, those in Orissa. The Government will continue to monitor the situation closely through our embassy in New Delhi, with a view to making further appropriate and sustainable responses through our bilateral aid programme.