Vol. 566 No. 2
114 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if EU intervention stocks here and in other member states will be released immediately to Iraq and other states facing famine or food insecurity; and if not, his plans in regard to same. [12577/03]
The use of EU intervention stocks to relieve the current humanitarian crisis in Iraq, or other states in a similar situation would require a decision by the Council of Ministers on the basis of a proposal from the European Commission. I am not aware of such a proposal at this time.
In responding to humanitarian crises, it is Ireland's customary policy to favour the local purchase of foodstuffs and other materials. However, given the seriousness of the current humanitarian crisis in Iraq and the paramount importance of saving lives, we would be willing to consider the use of EU intervention stocks for this purpose in Iraq, subject to agreement on the legal and technical requirements for the release of such stocks.
