Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 5 Mar 2003

Vol. 562 No. 5

Written Answers - Humanitarian Assistance.

Finian McGrath

Question:

227 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the way in which major powers can spend billions of euro on arms, can put 60,000 troops into the Gulf and yet cannot mobilise humanitarian assistance to the famine areas in Africa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1030/03]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

The Government shares the Deputy's concern about the issues raised in his question. It believes that every effort should be made to resolve the Iraq crisis without recourse to the use of military force, as it is concerned that such force could destabilise a region that is already volatile, particularly in view of the conflict between Israel and Palestine. The Iraqi leadership has refused to comply with its obligations for 12 years and it is to be regretted that only the credible threat that further non-compliance with Security Council resolutions will lead to military action appears to hold any prospect of inducing a change in this attitude. The Government has repeatedly expressed its preference for a solution that would avoid the use of force, and it hopes that the Security Council's determination, expressed in Resolution 1441, will convince Iraq of the seriousness of its situation and the need for it to comply without delay. Ireland considers that scaling back expenditure on arms could contribute to a reduction in tensions regionally and globally, with consequent advantages for economic and social development.

The figures concerning hunger currently emanating from Africa are stark. The UN world food programme estimates that at least 28 million people will be affected by the food shortages in the horn of Africa and southern Africa. At least 38 million people are at risk in Africa and the figures seem to be increasing on a daily basis. The disaster that is unfolding is unprecedented in its scale and extent. The international community, including Ireland, is responding to Africa's food needs. The world food programme has primary responsibility for the purchase and distribution of food assistance to those most in need. The programme is feeding over 22 million people across Africa, a number that is set to rise as new donor contributions come on stream. A further 16 million people are being assisted by other organisations and agencies. The problem could worsen as more people drop into the most vulnerable category.

In the short-term, the international community has a duty to respond more generously to ensure that food stocks are adequate to meet the needs of the poorest people and to save millions of lives. In the long-term, the situation will not improve until the issues of economic collapse, poor management and HIV and AIDS are fully addressed. Ireland Aid, the Government's official aid programme, delivered over €20 million in emergency and humanitarian assistance to Africa in 2002. €16 million was targeted at the affected countries in southern Africa and the horn of Africa. Funding was allocated to key international agencies such as the world food programme and Irish and international NGOs. The Minister of State, Deputy Kitt, who has special responsibility for development assistance, visited the famine stricken regions of southern Africa and the horn of Africa in 2002 and in January 2003. The visits gave the Minister of State an opportunity to view the food security crisis at first hand and to meet and speak with those directly involved. A number of Ireland Aid officials have visited the regions and continue to monitor the situation closely.

Ireland's humanitarian support is complemented by political action. The Government worked closely in 2002 with its EU and UN partners to develop strategies to address immediate food needs in Africa at national and regional levels. Ireland will continue to try to deliver effective assistance to those most in need in the parts of Africa affected by famine and the Government will use every opportunity to highlight the issue internationally. We will stimulate and support efforts to address the fundamental causes of food insecurity. In 2002, Ireland delivered over €80 million in long-term development support to southern Africa. Africa will continue to be the most important region for Ireland's long-term development assistance and emergency support.