Bernard J. Durkan
Question:158 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the initiatives the international community can take to address the problem of AIDS in Africa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15130/03]
Written Answers. - Overseas Development Aid.
As the world enters the third decade of the AIDS epidemic, the evidence of its impact is undeniable. By far the worst-affected region, sub-Saharan Africa is now home to 29.4 million people living with HIV-AIDS. Approximately 3.5 million new infections occurred there in 2002, while the epidemic claimed the lives of an estimated 2.4 million Africans in the past year.
It is only in recent years that the international community has woken to the reality of HIV-AIDS and to the devastating threat this disease presents to human development in highly-affected countries. The response of the international community is guided by the Declaration of Commitment on HIV-AIDS, which was agreed at a special session of the UN General Assembly, held in response to the global HIV-AIDS pandemic in June 2001.
In his address to the UNGASS, the Taoiseach emphasised the importance of political leadership, improved coordination and more financial resources in order to respond effectively to the HIV-AIDS pandemic. He announced that additional resources of $30 million, €31.5 million, would be spent each year within the Ireland Aid programme as part of the Government's response to this crisis.
In 2000 the Government published A HIV-AIDS strategy for the Ireland Aid programme. This strategy has provided the framework for directing the overall resources contributed by the Government to the international response to the HIV-AIDS pandemic. Since 2000, the volume of this contribution has increased tenfold.
Our funding is directed at HIV-AIDS activities, primarily in Africa, and is channelled through international, regional, national and non-governmental organisations. In 2003 alone, over €40 million has been allocated across a number of programmes, including the Global Fund for AIDS, TB and Malaria, AIDS vaccine research, and prevention, care and support activities implemented by NGOs and UN agencies who are engaged in the fight against HIV-AIDS.
The focus of the Governments support is on developing the capacity of partner Governments and national AIDS councils to prevent the spread of HIV-AIDS and to mitigate the social and economic consequences of the pandemic.
The Government fully recognises the threat that HIV-AIDS presents to the attainment of the millennium development goals in the worlds poorest countries. We will continue to work closely with other Governments to ensure the international response to this global threat is sustained and strengthened.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:159 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he can take to ensure that international aid is distributed to those for whom it is intended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15131/03]
The core objectives of the Ireland Aid programme continue to be poverty reduction and sustainable development. Meeting the basic human needs of some of poorest people in the world and improving their access to food, water, health services, sanitation, education and employment are key goals of the programme, at both bilateral and multilateral level. The centrality of fighting poverty, which guides the range of activities supported by Ireland Aid, was reaffirmed in the report of the Ireland aid review committee in 2002.
The main geographical focus of the bilateral programme is sub-Saharan Africa, the poorest region in the world. Ireland Aid provides long-term development assistance to six programme countries, Lesotho, Zambia, Tanzania, Uganda, Mozambique and Ethiopia, as well as South Africa, within the framework of three-year country strategy papers. In line with other donors, we operate in partnership with the Governments of these countries and agree our strategies with them in order to ensure that Ireland Aid programmes effectively respond to their development needs. This is standard practice in building up government capacity and strengthening their sense of ownership of the whole development process.
It is of critical importance that the assistance which Ireland Aid provides reaches those for whom it is intended at all times. Our systems and procedures are designed with this in mind and are constantly under review. The bilateral country programmes are subject to annual external audit by reputable accountancy firms. The programmes and projects which form part of the overall programme are themselves audited. In addition, the valuation and audit unit of Ireland Aid carries out regular evaluations across the whole spectrum of Ireland Aid activities to ensure, inter alia, that the assistance which we provide reaches its targeted beneficiaries.
Question No. 160 answered with Question No. 6.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:161 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which it is intended to extend Ireland's humanitarian aid programme; the number of new locations being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15133/03]
The primary objective of Ireland's emergency humanitarian aid programme is to save lives and rebuild livelihoods in the aftermath of natural and man-made disasters. This objective is founded on the principles of a commitment to international humanitarian law, a commitment to needs – based programming and regular evaluations of humanitarian operations.
Ireland's humanitarian programme is implemented through valued partners, such as NGOs, UN agencies and international organisations. These partners have the experience and capacity to deliver assistance to the most vulnerable in times of crisis and stress. While major emergencies are supported, particular attention is also given to targeting humanitarian assistance at the so-called "forgotten or silent emergencies", especially in sub-Saharan Africa.
Last year the Government intervened to provide emergency and recovery assistance on over 70 occasions, in more than a dozen countries throughout Africa and in over 20 countries in the rest of the world. These interventions were designed to reduce the effects of famine and conflict on some of the most vulnerable populations with a particular emphasis on women and children. To date this year we have provided emergency and recovery assistance to 18 countries worldwide, the majority in Africa.
It is not possible to predict or indicate in advance specific locations for emergency humanitarian assistance. Responses are linked primarily to needs brought about by sudden onset emergencies and humanitarian disasters. However, given the prevalence of humanitarian crises of various kinds in Africa, it is likely that much of our aid will remain focussed on the Horn of Africa, central Africa and southern Africa in 2003 and beyond.
Question No. 162 answered with Question No. 54.
Question No. 163 answered with Question No. 104.