Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 October 2013
7. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the international community has examined the causes of the cholera outbreak in Haiti; the number of persons affected; the number of casualties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43308/13]
View answerIn October 2010, a cholera epidemic struck Haiti as the country was still coming to grips with the effects of one of the most devastating earthquakes in recent history. The January 2010 earthquake killed more than 230,000 people, injured 300,000 others, and left 2.1 million homeless. Even before the spread of the epidemic, the health, water and sanitation infrastructure had been severely affected. The cholera epidemic resulted in the deaths of an estimated 8,300 people and infected more than 650,000 people. Recurrent outbreaks since then have resulted in the deaths of some 1,000 Haitians each year. In response to allegations in December 2010 that the initial outbreak was linked to the UN Stabilisation Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), the Secretary-General of the United Nations formed an Independent Panel to ‘‘investigate and seek to determine the source of the 2010 cholera outbreak in Haiti’’. The investigation involved epidemiological, water and sanitation, and molecular analyses. The final report concluded that the investigation did ‘‘not present any conclusive scientific evidence linking the outbreak to the MINUSTAH peacekeepers’’. Whatever its source, it is clear that the cholera outbreak represents a further tragedy for the Haitian people. I am aware that a class action lawsuit has recently been filed against the United Nations on behalf of victims of the cholera epidemic. We will continue to follow developments.
In the meantime, Ireland’s response to humanitarian needs in the country has been significant and sustained. Since 2010, the Government has provided more than €14 million in funding for emergency relief in Haiti. Our funding has focused on the most vulnerable populations affected as well as the most pressing needs, such as emergency shelter and reconstruction. More than €2 million of this emergency funding was provided by Irish Aid to agencies involved in the fight against cholera. This year, we have provided €500,000 in funding to Goal in support of its programme to fight community vulnerability to disease outbreaks in Haiti, including cholera.
