Dick Spring
Question:89 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the effects of the recent earthquake on the people of El Salvador. [2236/01]
Other Questions. - El Salvador Earthquake.
Róisín Shortall
Question:110 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the assistance Ireland has provided to the people of El Salvador to tackle the huge devastation caused by the recent earthquake; the further assistance planned, having regard to the huge investment that will be required to undo the damage done by the earthquake; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2250/01]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:127 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to date of our commitment to disaster relief work in El Salvador; his proposals to provide extra funding in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2147/01]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:268 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position in respect of Ireland's aid to El Salvador following the recent earthquake; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2570/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 89, 110, 127 and 268 together.
The Government remains deeply concerned about the suffering of the people of El Salvador following the major earthquake which occurred on 13 January. The disaster has directly affected more than one million people or one in six Salvadoreans. The official death toll, according to the latest Red Cross figures, stands at 726 , but this number may still increase as many people remain missing. The impact of the earthquake was such that more than 180,000 houses were damaged, approximately 75,000 of which were completely destroyed. I have written to the Foreign Minister whom I met last year in Dublin to express condolences and solidarity.
The Irish Government was quick to respond to the international appeal for assistance made by the President of El Salvador in the days following the earthquake. On Monday, 15 January, I announced an initial allocation of £200,000 to the International Federation of the Red Cross, which had activated its emergency plan as soon as the earthquake happened. Ireland's response to the IFRC appeal is the largest individual contribution to date, enabling the Red Cross to undertake a timely and sustained distribution of shelter and food relief items to those most affected.
In addition, I have more recently announced the allocation of a further £300,000 which has been granted to the Irish non-governmental organisations, Trócaire, Concern and GOAL, who quickly mobilised resources and personnel in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake. APSO was also involved in the immediate relief efforts. These are working in partnership with well established local groups and are co-ordinating their efforts with local government bodies and other relief agencies to avoid duplication of resources. The Irish Government's support for these programmes will help approximately 10,000 families to recover from the impact of this disaster and represents a total Irish aid response to the El Salvador earthquake of £500,000.
Ireland, together with our EU partners, to date have provided more than 17 million in bilateral aid to the relief effort in El Salvador. The European Community Humanitarian Office has also announced 2 million in emergency humanitarian aid, which will be distributed between a number of Red Cross societies operational in the area. The international response also includes the United Nations agencies such as the World Food Programme, UNICEF and the World Health Organisation, which are responding efficiently and effectively to the emergency.
Overall, Ireland has contributed in a positive and meaningful way to the international response to this crisis. We do not intend to forget about the people of El Salvador when the international media attention fades. Ireland Aid has made a commitment to support rehabilitation programmes in the post-emergency phase. The vulnerability of Central America to natural disasters, which have caused widespread devastation and misery to the people of the region, is also being taken into account – Ireland Aid is seeking to support emergency preparedness and disaster mitigation activities in the region.
I welcome the Minister of State's reply. If further requests are made for logistical assistance for the replacement of housing, which I expect may happen, will the Government respond generously?
Yes, we remain willing to assist further, in a financial way, to the reconstruction and rehabilitation needs of the region.
Has the Minister of State communicated with the authorities there in recent days with a view to ascertaining the degree to which assistance already offered meets requirements and whether a review is needed to address the issues that are most likely to arise?
In responding to such emergencies, after the immediate search and rescue response, we have found that the largest input of money is usually in terms of rehabilitation and reconstruction. We have indicated our willingness, in co-operation with the NGOs and the international agencies, to support that reconstruction and rehabilitation. We are reviewing the sit uation on a weekly basis and I hope to have discussions early next week with the NGOs operating in the region.