Vol. 542 No. 3
73 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the arrangements being made by the Government to allow effective operation by Irish relief agencies for the relief of hunger and disease arising from the situation in Afghanistan, with particular reference to Pakistan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24434/01]
The international aid community, including Ireland, has been providing essential emergency relief to Afghanistan for some time. In October 2000, Ireland Aid gave priority to Afghanistan as a then "forgotten emergency". Earlier this year, a package of £1.2 million in humanitarian relief was provided. More recently, the Government announced a further £2.8 million in emergency assistance. A total of £4 million has thus been provided for Afghanistan since the start of this year. This aid is aimed at both the vulnerable population within Afghanistan and at meeting the needs of refugees who flee across its borders into Pakistan. The UNHCR is preparing, with Irish Government support, for 1.5 million new refugees. The NGOs are also catering for these two categories of people who are immediately at risk. The latest official package was disbursed quickly to the relevant Irish NGOs with which there is daily contact. Together we are making every appropriate effort to ensure that our assistance reaches those who need it most with maximum effect.
The Government is working vigorously and proactively to help resolve the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and its impact on Pakistan. This is not only reflected in our working relationship with NGOs but also in the programme of work which Ireland is pursuing in its presidency of the Security Council. We are engaged in ongoing, intense consultations with the key humanitarian and other actors in both New York and Geneva and with those who are delivering aid to the people of Afghanistan with our support.
