Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 9 Apr 2003

Vol. 565 No. 1

Written Answers. - Overseas Development Aid.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

109 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the critical gaps that exist in the relief supplies needed for the 11 million people affected by drought in Ethiopia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9844/03]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

From August 2002 there were clear indications that erratic rainfall would lead to a large shortfall in Ethiopias crop production and that the priority in terms of humanitarian relief would be food assistance. A joint Ethiopian Government-UN Appeal was issued on 7 December 2002, following a multi-agency needs assessment carried out in November. The appeal confirmed that more than 11.3 million people would require food assistance, while another 3 million would remain under close monitoring. In the coming months the affected population will need 1.45 million metric tonnes of food assistance plus US $75 million in assistance to implement non-food responses such as water, health, agriculture and capacity building activities.

The Government has allocated €3.7 million for emergency assistance in Ethiopia since the crisis emerged last year. This assistance is focused on the needs of the most vulnerable people with an emphasis on food, water and emergency health interventions.

Funding has been allocated to the United Nations World Food Programme and UNICEF for food and other essential needs. Support has also been given to Irish non-governmental organisations for supplementary feeding and emergency health interventions for malnourished children.

In addition, a critical gap exists in relation to seeds and tools for vulnerable farmers. Timely distribution of these items is essential to ensure that adequate crop planting is undertaken for the next harvest. Funding from Ireland Aid has been allocated to meet this gap.

Co-ordination of the international relief response will be critical to ensure that all needs are adequately met. During his visit to Ethiopia in January last the Minister of State with responsibility for development co-operation and human rights, Deputy Tom Kitt, held discussions with Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles as well as key development actors such as the WFP, the EU Commission and the NGO community. Discussions were held on ways of effectively mobilising resources for the millions who will require food assistance in the coming months. On foot of the visit, the Minister of State Deputy Kitt wrote to his EU counterparts to call for a redoubling of efforts to tackle this crisis.

If we are to break the cyclical nature of food insecurity and conflict in Ethiopia, the underlying structural problems affecting poverty and stability must be addressed. Ireland Aid is delivering long-term development support to Ethiopia with an emphasis on poverty reduction through the provision of basic needs and capacity building support. Food security needs are addressed as part of this approach. In 2003 it is estimated that such long-term support for Ethiopia will exceed €27 million.

The Government receives regular updates on the situation in Ethiopia and stands prepared to deliver further appropriate assistance from Ireland Aid over the coming months. In addition, we will work with our donor partners to ensure maximum co-ordination and coherence in the international response to this crisis.