Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 July 2014
32. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if humanitarian assistance will be provided to persons in need in Iraq in view of the very difficult circumstances that have arisen due to the security situation in that country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28818/14]
View answerThe dramatically deteriorating situation in Iraq is a matter of very serious concern, for the Iraqi people, the region, and for the international community as a whole. The Al- Qaeda linked islamist militia known as ISIS, with allied Sunni groupings, has captured large parts of northern and western Iraq, including the major city of Mosul. It has also targeted key installations such as the country’s largest oil refinery. Following this recent escalation of violence, there are now nearly 2 million people displaced within Iraq, one million of whom have been displaced since January 2014. An Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Eamon Gilmore T.D. discussed the crisis in Iraq with EU colleagues at the Foreign Affairs Council on 23 June, at which the Council agreed Conclusions condemning the recent attacks by ISIS, and reports of horrific atrocities. The Council also expressed its serious concern at the humanitarian situation amid a further massive civilian displacement arising from the current emergency.
In view of the humanitarian consequences of the rapid deterioration of the security situation in Iraq, I recently authorised funding of €200,000 to Goal and €75,000 to Christian Aid to support the provision of essential relief items to vulnerable families who have been displaced by the recent fighting. In addition, I have authorised the airlifting of essential relief items (such as blankets, kitchen sets, jerry cans and shelter supplies) worth €220,000 from our stocks in Dubai to provide emergency relief to the most vulnerable displaced populations in Ninewa Governate in Northern Iraq. Earlier this year, Ireland provided €160,000 to support the provision of protection services and assistance for female Syrian refugees and host communities in Iraq, bringing our total assistance to date in 2014 to €655,000 and our total support over the period 2006-2014 to more than €13.5 million. We continue to monitor the situation closely and will continue to provide assistance, within our means and as the situation evolves.
