Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 June 2013
69. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the international community continues to monitor the situation in Somalia, deemed to be one of the most dangerous countries in the world; the extent, if any, to which the issues pertaining there can be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31122/13]
View answerThe situation in Somalia continues to be a serious concern for the European Union and the broader international community. A major international Conference on Somalia was convened in London on 7 May and was attended by representatives of more than 50 countries and international organisations. Ireland was represented by the Minister of State for Trade and Development, Mr. Joe Costello T.D. The Conference discussed a wide range of issues relating to ongoing efforts to consolidate lasting peace and stability in Somalia after twenty years of destructive conflict, underdevelopment, and lawlessness. A further international conference on Somalia will be organised by the European Union, in Brussels later this year. The EU is implementing a comprehensive Strategy for the Horn of Africa which was adopted in 2011 and which covers the entire region, including Somalia. It addresses all dimensions of the crisis including conflict, underdevelopment, and issues related to governance and human rights.
The continuing fragility in Somalia was tragically underlined by the attack on the UN Compound in Mogadishu last week by the Al Shabaab terrorist group, which claimed 15 lives.
The EU’s support in the area of security includes our funding for the African Union peacekeeping mission, and direct engagement through a number of Common Security and Defence Policy Missions including the EU Training Mission, EUTM Somalia, which is building the capacity of the Somali National Security Forces to enable them to take over responsibility for security and law and order.
Ireland is providing the Commander and a significant contingent of personnel for EUTM Somalia. Ireland has contributed more than €41 million to efforts to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Somalia and the region, and we are committed to continuing to provide support and help in this area. We have also indicated, in the context of our new Policy on International Development, ‘One World, One Future’, which has a strengthened focus on fragile states, that Ireland will examine other opportunities for assisting Somalia’s recovery in the period ahead.
