Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 May 2015
34. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the assistance provided to Nepal following the recent earthquakes and consequent humanitarian disaster; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19329/15]
View answerThe earthquake in Nepal on 25 April has resulted in the deaths of over 8,000, with almost 18,000 injured and many thousands displaced. At least 66 people were killed in a further strong earthquake on 12 May.
On 27 April, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and I announced initial assistance of up to €1 million in Irish Aid funding for life-saving assistance for affected communities in Nepal. This included food, shelter, water, hygiene and basic medical supplies for affected communities. The funding has been provided to Irish NGOs who are working with partners on the ground in Nepal and through Ireland's Rapid Response Initiative.
We have airlifted 63 tonnes of life-saving humanitarian supplies which are most needed in this crisis, including tents, blankets, and tarpaulins, and water and sanitation equipment.
Irish Aid is now arranging further airlifts of 50 tonnes of supplies in the coming days. These items are being directed to our NGO partners, Concern, Goal and Christian Aid, who are assisting communities in the worst-affected areas. This will bring Ireland's assistance following the disaster to over €1.5 million. A highly-skilled member of Ireland's Rapid Response Corps was also deployed to Kathmandu on 1 May to assist UNICEF in the water and sanitation area.
My officials will continue to work with our UN, NGO and Red Cross partners in Nepal on this tragic humanitarian situation, and to review what further assistance Ireland can provide for the people most seriously affected.
