Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 March 2022
304. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will arrange for the appropriate official to contact a person (details supplied) in respect of urgent diabetes supplies required in the Ukraine crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13028/22]
View answerThe generosity of the people of Ireland in responding to this crisis, the impulse to help those in need, and the strong solidarity with Ukraine, is very welcome and is to be commended.
From a practical perspective, with airports closed and other transportation infrastructure under great pressure, the sending and transporting of large numbers of individual consignments of physical goods, from many locations, is already increasing congestion in the channels delivering relief and hampering aid efforts. This includes the in-kind donation of medical supplies, which can require special handling.
To ensure the most effective response, the relevant local authorities with whom my Department is in contact request that people who would like to assist send funds rather than goods. This can be done through donating to established Irish and international humanitarian organisations.
Dóchas, the umbrella organisation for Irish NGOs, has made available a list of entities which have launched Ukraine appeals. Websites can be accessed at: dochas.ie/whats-new/ukraine-how-you-can-help/.
