Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 March 2013
85. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which Irish aid continues to be made available to the most sensitive locations worldwide with particular reference to the need that aid continues to reach those for whom it was intended and that aid workers are adequately protected during the course of their work with no exceptions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15938/13]
View answerAs Minister of State with responsibility for Ireland’s Official Development Assistance, I am very conscious of the need to ensure that Irish Aid continues to reach its intended beneficiaries in the most sensitive and difficult regions of the world, and that our development assistance continues to make a real difference in the lives of the poorest and most vulnerable.
Through our emergency humanitarian budget, we respond quickly and effectively to emergencies arising from man-made crises as well as the effects of natural disasters, with a particular focus on protracted and complex emergencies. We also work to ensure that countries affected by repeated crises are provided with support to prepare for, and reduce the impacts of, disasters. In 2012, Ireland provided over €100 million to support those in need of humanitarian assistance across the globe. This helped millions of people to survive through conflicts and through natural and man-made disasters.
To ensure that this assistance is effectively programmed to be delivered to those most in need, we work in partnership with national governments, local communities, NGOs, and key multilateral partners such as the United Nations and European Union. These programmes and agencies which are in receipt of our funding are subject to strong appraisal and regular internal and external monitoring to ensure that the intended objectives and goals are being achieved.
I am also aware that Irish-based aid agencies and their partners operate in some of the most sensitive and insecure locations in the world. The Government strongly supports and promotes the efforts taken by many of these organisations to develop solid security management plans and to employ dedicated security professionals to help train staff and ensure that they are adequately protected during the course of their work.
We are also continuing to work with the members and observers of the Dóchas Humanitarian Aid Working Group to develop a series of overarching professional standards for Irish aid organisations with respect to safety and security issues.
I would like to take this opportunity again to recognise the heroic role played by the many thousands of Irish aid workers and their colleagues around the globe who are striving to save lives and to deliver humanitarian help to those who need it most, often under the most sensitive and trying circumstances.
