Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Mar 2003

Vol. 563 No. 4

Written Answers - Overseas Development Aid.

Finian McGrath

Question:

241 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a child dies every seven seconds in the world from hunger-related causes; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that there are 22 million refugees and internally displaced people; and the amount the Government is donating to assist these forgotten people. [7638/03]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

The Government is deeply conscious of the devastating effect that hunger is having on millions of vulnerable children throughout the world. The Government responds in two ways to the needs of these children. In the short-term we focus on saving lives in the most effective way possible, through direct assistance via the UN system and international agencies, as well as non-governmental organisations (NGOs). In the long-term the Ireland Aid development programmes tackle the structural reasons underlying endemic poverty and food insecurity.

The Government provides committed support for international organisations working on behalf of the world's poorest children. The Government has provided €9 million for the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) to date this year. In addition, much of Ireland Aid's bilateral humanitarian assistance is targeted at vulnerable children. In 2002 the Government intervened to provide humanitarian assistance such as food, water and medicine on more than 120 occasions in over 30 countries throughout the world.

The humanitarian assistance provided by the Government is complemented by ongoing political action. The Minister of State, Deputy Kitt, has visited a number of famine-affected countries in recent months. On foot of his visits, he communicated directly with his EU counterparts to urge a greater humanitarian response. He has also met with key figures in the EU and UN, including the EU Commissioner with responsibility for development, the deputy executive director of the UN World Food Programme and the Secretary General of the International Federation of the Red Cross to highlight his concerns and to discuss ways of improving the co-ordination of assistance.

The Government addresses the needs of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), particularly in Africa and the Middle East. Ireland supports a range of Irish NGOs and international agencies providing humanitarian assistance for those displaced from their homes as a result of natural or man-made disasters. This year Ireland Aid has provided over €7 million to the UN High Commission for Refugees. Substantial funding has also been delivered to the International Organisation for Migration, Refugee Trust International and the International Committee of the Red Cross for their ongoing assistance for refugees and IDPs.

If we are to lessen the level of population displacement and food insecurity in the future, the underlying structural problems affecting stability and poverty must be addressed. Ireland Aid has strong development partnerships with six countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Through these partnerships Ireland Aid fully engages with governments and donors on the basis of poverty reduction strategy plans (PRSPs). The PRSPs outline how each country prioritises resources and policies with the objective of reducing poverty. This comprehensive and African-owned approach by donors, governments and civil societies stands the best chance of breaking the cyclical nature of food insecurity and facilitating real and positive change in the lives of millions of Africans.