Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 May 2011
86 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs following the expulsion of Britain’s High Commissioner from Malawi after a leaked email in which he criticised the President of Malawi; if he will confirm that Ireland’s aid commitment to Malawi will not be adversely affected by this diplomatic incident; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11409/11]
View answerThe Government of Malawi expelled the British High Commissioner to Malawi on 26 April 2011, following the alleged leaking of a diplomatic report. We have condemned this decision along with our EU partners, as have Churches and Non-Governmental Organisations in Malawi.
Malawi has been a priority country for Ireland's aid programme since 2006, with a commitment to long-term strategic assistance. It is one of the poorest countries in the world, ranked 153 out of 169 countries on the 2010 UN Human Development Index. Malawi has suffered two major famines in the last decade and over 54% of the population live below the national poverty line. Over 40% of children under five suffer from chronic malnutrition and 12% of the adult population are living with HIV and AIDS.
The current Irish Aid five-year programme of assistance to Malawi, which commenced in 2010, is clearly focused on increasing the supply of food, improving nutrition, strengthening agricultural research and smallholder farming and helping to build democracy. The priorities reflect our commitment, across the aid programme, to playing a leading role internationally in the fight against global hunger and malnutrition. The Irish Aid programme is implemented in co-operation with communities in Malawi, with Irish, international and local NGOs, and with Government institutions.
We have clear differences of view with the Government of Malawi and are following developments closely through our Embassy in Lilongwe. Along with our EU partners, we have told the Government frankly that they need to demonstrate respect for human rights and for the principles of democratic government, and that we are closely reviewing developments in this regard.
It is important to emphasise that Ireland's aid programme is concentrated on the needs of the people of Malawi, and especially the poorest and most vulnerable communities. I want to ensure that it will continue to have an impact in reducing the risk of famine, building agricultural production, helping those living with HIV and AIDS and providing children with the opportunity of receiving a decent education. It is also important that we use our influence so that these children have the opportunity to build their lives in a truly democratic society.
