Disaster Response

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 June 2018

Wednesday, 27 June 2018

Questions (99)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

99. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps that can be taken to ensure that the victims of various natural disasters, whether from storm, earthquake or disease, continue to receive international aid commensurate to their situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28346/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Natural disasters can spark off a new crisis or worsen an existing one. According to the UN, in 2016 445 million people were affected by disasters linked to natural hazards worldwide including floods, storms, earthquakes and drought; 8,000 people directly lost their lives; and immediate economic losses from major disaster events were estimated at almost $140 billion. Climate change, together with poverty and poor environmental management, means that an increasing number of countries, poor countries in particular, are becoming increasingly vulnerable to natural disasters.

A priority for Ireland in responding to humanitarian crises is ensuring that life-saving assistance reaches those most in need, as quickly as possible. Ireland works with our UN, EU, Red Cross and NGO partners to reach those in most urgent need of assistance when crises hit. For example, in response to the eruption of the Fuego Volcano in Guatemala on 3 June 2018, Ireland provided €75,000 to Plan International to assist with shelter for those affected. Similarly, in 2017, in response to flooding and mudslides in Sierra Leone, Ireland deployed emergency relief supplies via the Rapid Response Initiative to our partner NGOs to help people affected.

In addition, Ireland provides core support to the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction worth €0.5m to help them build capacity in Ireland’s key partner countries to prepare for and manage the impact of disasters.

Ireland remains committed to providing humanitarian assistance where it is needed most, working with partners who can ensure that such assistance is delivered in a coordinated and effective manner.