Written Answers Nos. 80-98
80. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the efforts made to have a person (details supplied) returned here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14759/19]
View answerI am aware of the case to which the Deputy refers. I have already stated publicly that appropriate consular assistance is provided to all Irish citizens abroad where this is possible. We will do what can and should be done to assist Irish citizens in distress or danger overseas.
In this case, this will include facilitating a return to Ireland, not least in view of the vulnerability of the young child involved. How she and her child might return to Ireland, and how consular officials might assist, is not yet clear: the situation on the ground is dangerous, complex and evolving. Officials from different departments are working to prepare options.
The Deputy will understand that I cannot go into details about options under consideration and contacts ongoing outside of Government. These are very sensitive matters in a zone of active conflict. Speculating about options in public is not in the interests of Irish citizens, or of the partner organisations with whom officials are in contact.
81. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason the elections observation briefing roster has been capped at approximately 200 when there are many qualified candidates interested in filling these roles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14790/19]
View answer85. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the election observation briefing note; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14912/19]
View answer87. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 72 of 12 March 2019, if he will address a series of concerns (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14965/19]
View answer99. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will address matters (details supplied) further to the election observation briefing note; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15190/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 81, 85, 87 and 99 together.
A new international election observation roster was put in place in January 2019. A detailed Information Note on the process has been made available to the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence, and is also attached to this response.
The roster has been capped at approximately 200 members since it was reformed in 2013. This enables Ireland to nominate approximately 60 observers each year over the lifespan of a 5-year roster. This number also facilitates a wide range of skills, abilities and experiences and allows for an appropriate level of rotation within the roster. A significant volume of work is involved in managing a 5-year relationship with 200 different individuals and, subject to individual mission needs, in ensuring that each roster member has an equal opportunity to be nominated for overseas missions. The final roster number will be made available to the House when the security vetting of all those shortlisted to the roster is complete.
On the basis of its terms of reference, and of the original application and appeals case submitted by the individuals concerned, the appeals panel considered that there was sufficient justification for two appellants to be shortlisted to the roster, subject to security vetting.
Further to market research conducted by the Department, and on the basis of the company’s quality assurance expertise, a contract was signed with an independent calibration service to monitor the second stage assessment of applications. This was done in accordance with the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) Public Procurement Guidelines for Goods and Services. Neither employees of the company nor Departmental staff members who have a role in implementing the roster assessed the applications which met the essential criteria identified in the Volunteer Information Booklet (i.e. the second stage assessment).
82. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 67 of 21 February 2019, when applications by persons (details supplied) will be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14805/19]
View answerForeign Births Registration, by its nature, can be a detailed and complex process, often involving official documentation related to three generations and issued by several jurisdictions. Applications requiring clarification or further documents take longer to process.
With regard to the specific applications the Deputy has enquired about, I can confirm that the Foreign Births Registration team in my Department is in direct contact with the two applicants concerned, in relation to further required documentation. On receipt of the required documentation, the applications for Foreign Births Registration can be processed, in accordance with the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended.
83. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he met with the family of a person (details supplied); if so, the issues that were discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14871/19]
View answer84. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is in a position to assist the family of a person (details supplied); if their request will be discussed with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14872/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 83 and 84 together.
I was pleased to have the opportunity to meet with the family of Councillor Patsy Kelly on 27 March last during their visit to Leinster House.
I am conscious of the pain and suffering that the Kelly family have endured as a result of the terrible murder of Councillor Kelly in 1974, which has been compounded by the successive inconclusive investigations into his death, which continue to this day.
My Department officials also met with the Kelly family on 27 March and received a full update on the current status of the case, and the family’s concerns. I have directed that my Department offer any assistance possible to the Kelly family and keep them informed on this engagement on their behalf.
My Department has previously raised the family’s concerns with the British Government through the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC) Secretariat in Belfast. It will do so again on foot of this engagement and will keep the matter under review in light of the responses received.
The Government is strongly committed to the establishment of a new institutional framework to deal with the past in Northern Ireland, as provided for under the Stormont House Agreement of 2014, so that victims’ families, across all sections of the community in Northern Ireland, can have access to the Historical Investigations Unit which will conduct Article 2-compliant investigations into all outstanding Troubles-related deaths.
I have engaged extensively with the British Government and with all of the political parties in Northern Ireland to support a way forward with the establishment of the Stormont House Agreement legacy bodies. Legislation will also be required in this jurisdiction to provide for cooperation with the Stormont House Agreement legacy bodies. The drafting of legislative proposals for consideration by the Government and Oireachtas is advancing, led by my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality.
I am continuing to seek urgent progress with the establishment of the Stormont House Agreement legacy bodies; however, I recognise that the Kelly family’s long and dignified search for truth and justice must continue under the current system for now, as they continue to seek a resolution after more than four decades.
I will continue to engage with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in support of the establishment of the Stormont House Agreement legacy bodies as soon as possible, to provide a better way of dealing with the past in Northern Ireland, which is so important and overdue for victims and survivors, including the family of Councillor Kelly.
Comprehensive progress on legacy issues from the Troubles is crucial in order to meet the legitimate needs and expectations of victims and survivors, and to contribute to broader societal reconciliation as an integral part of the Peace Process. The Government will continue to engage in support of that, consistent with our role and responsibilities as a co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement.
86. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the disproportionate and deadly response of the Government of Sudan to recent peaceful protests in that country; the steps he is taking to encourage a peace process in Sudan and to ensure that violence is brought to an end; the steps he is taking to urge the European Union into a stronger stance against ongoing oppression in Sudan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14936/19]
View answerI am deeply concerned about the violence which has accompanied recent protests in Sudan. The demonstrations, triggered by spiralling costs of living, began in the city of Atbara in the north east of the country on 19 December last year, quickly spreading to other towns and cities across the country. While initially the protests were against the worsening economic situation, they soon developed into calls for President Omar al-Bashir’s resignation.
In reaction to the protests, schools have been closed in some areas and a national state of emergency was declared on 22 February, initially for a period of one year but later reduced to six months. Sudanese police have used tear gas and live ammunition in an attempt to disperse crowds and it is reported that over 1,000 people have been arrested across the country since protests began and that more than 50 have been killed. The use of live fire and arbitrary detention cannot be justified.
Ireland fully supports the 28 February 2019 statement by the EU High Representative expressing concern at the situation in Sudan which underlined the importance of an environment for political dialogue and the exercise of the legitimate right to express differing views. Such an environment is essential to build national consensus on sustainable responses to Sudan's deep political and economic crisis. Ireland also fully supports the EU statement of 11 January 2019 which calls on the Government of Sudan to release all journalists, members of the opposition, human rights defenders and other protesters arbitrarily detained, and to guarantee the independence of the Investigation Committee, under the Chairmanship of the Sudanese Director of Public Prosecutions, tasked with the investigation of abuses.
The Embassy of Ireland in Nairobi, which is accredited to Sudan, continues to monitor the situation closely in cooperation with the Delegation of the European Union in Khartoum.
In addition to the current unrest, Sudan continues to suffer from a range of humanitarian crises, driven by protracted conflicts, inequality and climate change. These feed into the popular disaffection leading to protests. This humanitarian situation has been further exacerbated by the economic crisis in 2018, leading to severe levels of food insecurity and malnutrition across the country. More than 1.8 million people are internally displaced and Sudan hosts a further 1.2 million refugees that have fled conflict in neighbouring countries, the majority of whom rely on humanitarian aid for their survival. As a result, an estimated 5.5 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance in Sudan this year, including 2.6 million children. Ireland is responding to these crises, with almost €26 million in direct humanitarian assistance to Sudan through our UN, NGO and Red Cross partners since 2012.
88. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the amount which has been spent to date on Getting Ireland Brexit Ready; and the amount expected to be spent on making the country Brexit ready for each of the next ten years. [15048/19]
View answerSince my appointment as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in June 2017, I have overseen and co-ordinated a sustained intensification of Brexit preparedness. As part of these efforts, the Government has organised “Getting Ireland Brexit Ready” public information events around Ireland to inform and advise about Brexit preparedness and the range of support measures and resources that the Government has put in place.
These events brought together over a dozen Agencies and their parent Departments – the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport - under one roof to inform and advise both citizens and businesses.
The events also attracted significant domestic and international media coverage which afforded an opportunity to highlight Ireland’s overall approach and specific concerns in relation to Brexit.
The Getting Ireland Brexit Ready events in question took place in Cork on 5 October 2018, Galway on 12 October 2018, Monaghan on 19 October 2018, Dublin on 25 October, Limerick on 23 November 2018 and Letterkenny on 30 November 2018.
The positive impact of the Getting Ireland Brexit Ready events and the Government's ongoing public information activities in relation to Brexit preparedness is reflected in an increase in the uptake of the many Brexit Business supports that are offered by State Agencies. For example, over 4,000 companies have availed of the Enterprise Ireland Brexit Scorecard facility as a first step in developing their Brexit plan. Similarly, over 1,000 SMEs have directly engaged with the InterTradeIreland Brexit Advisory Service so far in 2019; this is in addition to the 4,175 engagements in 2018.
Other Brexit preparedness-related public information activities and events continue to be organised by Government Departments and State Agencies across Ireland. Since September 2018 there have been over 90 such events across 21 counties. Relevant details on these activities and events and on Brexit preparedness more generally can be found via the gov.ie/brexit website.
To coincide with the ‘Getting Ireland Brexit Ready’ events held to date, there was also a sustained public information campaign which ran on radio, in print media, online and via social media channels. This campaign ensured that citizens and businesses were informed of the measures available to them.
In organising each event, every effort was made to ensure that costs were kept to the necessary minimum and that they achieved the best value for money. Costs that have arisen directly in connection with the Getting Ireland Brexit Ready events held so far and costs for the accompanying public information campaign activities for which invoices/confirmed costings have been received are as follows:
|
Item |
Totals |
|
Venue Hire, Catering & Related |
€69,242.84 |
|
Event Staging / Audio-Visual Equipment (OPW) |
€101,595.73 |
|
Event Materials / Signage / Badging |
€22,964.30 |
|
Photography / Video / Podcast |
€17,252.85 |
|
Advertising & Design |
€294,859.18 |
|
Other |
€2,086.47 |
|
Total |
€508,001.37 |
Regarding the second part of the Deputy’s question, I understand that officials in my Department have been in direct contact with the Deputy’s office to clarify the scope of this question, and that the Deputy will submit questions to a number of Departments on the specific information being sought.
89. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has formally conveyed his objection to the administration of the United States of America regarding its decision to recognise Israel’s sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15079/19]
View answer90. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to action that will be taken at EU level regarding the decision of the administration of the United States of America to recognise Israel’s sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15080/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 89 and 90 together.
In response to the decision of the United States Government on 18 March to recognise the Golan heights as sovereign Israeli territory, I made the following public statement on the same day:
“Ireland regards the Golan Heights as Syrian territory under Israeli occupation. The Government has no plans to alter that position.
Annexation of territory by force is prohibited under international law, including the UN Charter. This is a fundamental principle of the relation of states and the rule of law in the modern world.
Our view of the behaviour of the current Syrian government does not negate this principle.
Israeli annexation, and recognition of it, also ignore the wishes of the inhabitants of the area.”
A similar declaration was issued by the EU High Representative, Federica Mogherini, on behalf of the EU, stating that, in line with international law and UN Security Council resolutions, the EU does not recognise Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights.
I have raised my concerns about the US decision directly with the US administration.
91. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the expenditure on overseas development aid; the way in which it equates to the target of reaching 0.7% of ODA-GNI; the cost of reaching the 0.7% target in incremental steps in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15082/19]
View answerThe Government launched Ireland’s new policy for international development, A Better World, on 28 February. This new policy reaffirms the Government’s commitment in Global Ireland 2025, to expand official development assistance and make progress on delivering the United Nations target of allocating 0.7 percent of Gross National Income (GNI) for official development assistance by 2030.
This new policy provides the framework for that expansion. At current projections it could mean tripling our current contributions. In order to achieve this ambition difficult choices will be required between competing priorities, especially if economic circumstances change, and this will require ongoing careful planning and consultation with other Government Departments and stakeholders will be needed if a steady, phased and prudent approach is to be achieved.
Based on current projections for economic growth, which may change as circumstances evolve, achieving the 0.7% target by 2030 would mean more than tripling the current allocations to ODA, and would require sustained, substantial managed increments given that the point of departure is 0.3% of GNI this year. The Government is already making progress, having increased allocations to official development assistance by 32% since 2014. Budget 2019 saw the highest increase in funding available in over a decade, with Irish official development assistance in 2019 is forecast to reach almost €817 million, an increase of approximately €110 million and a 16% increase on the allocation announced in budget 2018.
The table sets out indicative allocations to ODA, based on current economic growth forecasts, which show a possible phased path to reaching the 0.7% target by 2030. Allocations will of course be made annually as part of the normal budgetary process.
|
Year |
ODA level € Million |
Expected ODA/GNI % Target |
|
2019 |
817 |
0.30% |
|
2023 |
1400 |
0.50% |
|
2025 |
1800 |
0.57% |
|
2027 |
2100 |
0.62% |
|
2030 |
2500 |
0.70% |
92. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the expenditure on the emigrant support programme; the estimated full-year cost of increasing expenditure by 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15083/19]
View answerThe Emigrant Support Programme (ESP) provides funding to non-profit organisations and projects to support our most vulnerable emigrants overseas, to strengthen Irish communities abroad and to facilitate the development of closer and more strategic links between Ireland and the global Irish.
The budget for the Emigrant Support Programme in 2019 is €12.595 million. This represents an increase of €1 million in the allocation for the ESP in 2019, from €11.595 million last year, and is a demonstration of the Government's continuing commitment to our people abroad.
An increase of 5% on the 2019 budget would cost €629,750.
An increase of 10% on the 2019 budget would cost €1,259,500.
An increase of 15% on the 2019 budget would cost €1,889,250.
An increase of 20% on the 2019 budget would cost €2,519,000.
93. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the expenditure on the trust fund for Africa; the estimated full-year cost of increasing expenditure by 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15084/19]
View answerThe European Union Emergency Trust Fund for stability and addressing root causes of irregular migration and displaced persons in Africa is part of a comprehensive package of EU initiatives to support stability across North Africa, the Horn of Africa and the Sahel/Lake Chad region. The Trust Fund contributes to the tackling the root causes of instability, forced displacement and irregular migration. It was launched in 2015 at the Valletta EU-Africa Summit on migration, and will run to 2020.
The Trust Fund is financed by the EU institutions, and EU Member States together with Norway and Switzerland. Collectively, they have committed €4.2 billion to the Trust Fund to date, with approximately 88% (€3.7 billion) coming from EU institutions and €500 million from bilateral pledges.
Ireland’s total commitment to the Trust Fund for the period 2016-2020 will be €15 million. €600,000 was paid to the Trust Fund in 2016, €1,000,000 in 2017 and €7.3 million in 2018. Ireland’s total bilateral contribution to the Trust Fund to date therefore stands at €8.9 million. The remaining €6.1 million is to be disbursed during 2019 and 2020.
Incremental increases of the type set out in the Deputy’s question are not planned. However, the effect such increases would have are set out as follows:
|
- |
% increase |
Additional Cost |
|
Current Commitment |
|
€15,000,000 |
|
Total additional cost to 2020 if commitment increased by... |
5% |
€750,000 |
|
|
10% |
€1,500,000 |
|
|
15% |
€2,250,000 |
|
|
20% |
€3,000,000 |
94. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the average full-year cost of running an embassy and consulate, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15085/19]
View answerThe work of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Embassy and Consulate network around the world continues to be important to Ireland’s economic development. The total network, of currently some 79 Embassies and Consulates and 7 Multilateral Missions, promotes Ireland’s political, economic and cultural interests and values, provides services to our citizens, develops strategic stakeholder relationships and represents Ireland in international organisations.
The Embassies and Consulates work in support of Ireland’s interests includes:
- Supporting Irish businesses to grow overseas, by promoting our wider trade interests including through EU and WTO regulation, facilitating business visas, underpinning the work of our State agencies and supporting Ministerial visits and trade missions;
- Supporting and deepening trade and investment relationships around the world: by raising Ireland’s visibility in markets, proactively addressing market access issues, hosting high-level visits and events in support of Irish business, brokering introductions and offering guidance on local markets and business culture;
- Providing frontline consular and passport services to Irish citizens overseas, and
- Influencing and negotiating for Ireland on issues that could impact our interests and priorities.
Ireland's diplomatic network has recently expanded to include five new Embassies - in Santiago, Chile; Bogotá, Colombia; Amman, Jordan, and Wellington, New Zealand and new Consulates General in Vancouver, Canada and Mumbai, India.
The cost of operating an Embassy or Consulate can vary significantly depending on its location, the type and range of services provided and the overall size of the Embassy/Consulate. The larger Embassies/Consulates would cost in the region of €1m to €5m per annum to operate. Smaller mainly single diplomatic-officer Embassies/Consulates would cost in the region of €0.5m per annum to operate.
95. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the expenditure on the peace and reconciliation fund; the estimated full-year cost of increasing expenditure by 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15086/19]
View answerThe Reconciliation Fund has been in operation since 1982 and awards grants to organisations working to build better relations within and between traditions in Northern Ireland, between North and South, and between Ireland and Britain.
The annual budget for the Fund was €2.7 million in 2018. In May 2018, on the 20th Anniversary of the referendums on the Good Friday Agreement, I announced that it would be increased to €3.7 million from 2019 onwards, reflecting the Government's unwavering commitment to the Agreement and to supporting the vital work of reconciliation being carried out by civil society and groups in Northern Ireland and across this island. This additional €1 million in funding represented an increase of 37%.
If the budget were further increased by the percentages indicated by the Deputy, the additional cost would amount to:
|
Percentage Increase |
Additional Cost |
|
5% |
€185,000 |
|
10% |
€370,000 |
|
15% |
€555,000 |
|
20% |
€740,000 |
Any further increases in the budget for the Reconciliation Fund would also need to take account of the level of staffing resources required to ensure the continued effective operation of the Fund.
More information on the Reconciliation Fund and lists of grants issued previously are available on my Department’s website at: https://www.dfa.ie/about-us/funding/reconciliation-fund/.
96. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if a third passport processing facility is to be opened in Dublin at Tallaght and-or a second passport processing facility in Cork to add to existing facilities at Mount Street, Dublin 2, Balbriggan, County Dublin, and South Mall in Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15137/19]
View answerMy Department currently has passport processing facilities in Dublin, Ballbriggan and Cork. The Department operates two public offices in Dublin and in Cork. Work is ongoing with the Office of Public Works to expand the existing facility in Balbriggan, in addition to improvements to the office accommodation in Cork.
The Department is currently working with the Office of Public Works to provide temporary back-office processing capacity for the Passport Office in Tallaght as part of the Brexit contingency response.
The facility in Tallaght is currently leased to the State and will be ready in the coming weeks for temporary occupation. The facility allows for a cost-effective temporary solution be available to the Department without the additional costs of taking new space. The Department is taking this space until the extended facility in Balbriggan is ready.
97. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will address a matter in regard to a new passport processing facility (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15138/19]
View answerThe staffing levels of many units in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and its missions overseas have been augmented in response to Brexit. My Department has strengthened the capacity of the Passport Service by recruiting over 80 permanent staff to respond to the general increase in passport applications. Those staff are located in the Passport Service offices in Balbriggan, Cork and in Dublin city centre. In addition, over 230 Temporary Clerical Officers have been recruited.
However in light of the continued increase in passport application volumes the Passport Service is considering various options (including locations in Tallaght and Cork) to accommodate some additional temporary staff to assist with back office passport processing.
It is proposed to use existing Government offices already leased by the State, which will not attract additional rental costs, which are close to existing offices, already fitted out for this type of work and can facilitate a rapid set-up with mininium cost and expense.
This temporary accommodation is only required until additional accommodation in Balbriggan, where one of our three offices is currently located, comes online.
98. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of the situation in Mali including reports that civilians have been massacred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15160/19]
View answerOver 160 people were killed and many more injured in an attack on the Peul community in Ogosassagou, Mali, on 23 March. This attack follows increased tensions between the Peul and Dogon communities in the middle of the country and is not thought to be linked to the terrorist attacks of the north. The Malian Government has ordered the disbandment of a local defence militia which may have been responsible. President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta visited the village, promising justice and security for remaining inhabitants, against a background of alleged reprisals against Dogons.
The Tánaiste issued a statement on 25 March, expressing his sympathy to those who lost loved ones and calling on the Malian Government to ensure an effective investigation. Ireland will continue to work with our EU partners to support the Government of Mali to ensure that justice is served and to protect civilian populations from inter-ethnic violence and terrorism.
Mali has suffered from conflict and instability since the 2012 outbreak of violence by Northern Tuareg rebel groups, including al-Qaeda linked militants. Terrorist attacks and inter-community violence continue to occur on a regular basis.
Ireland provides defence forces personnel to the EU training mission in Mali as part of our commitment to peace and stability in Mali. In January 2019, the Taoiseach travelled to Mali, accompanied by the Minister of State with responsibility for Defence to meet members of the Irish Defence Forces. The Taoiseach also met with President Keita as part of that visit. Ireland has also seconded a number of civilian experts to the European Union’s Capacity Building Mission and Stabilisation Action in Mali.
Over four million people across Mali are in need of humanitarian assistance. Since 2012, Ireland has contributed over €7 million to address this need, initially through the provision of food assistance. Other interventions in the areas of education in emergencies and child protection have also been funded.
