Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 September 2023
12. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what supports the Government is providing for the people of Morocco following its recent earthquake; and what actions his Department is taking to ensure the supports reach the people on the ground. [41912/23]
View answer37. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the supports and resources that Ireland has provided to the people of Morocco and Libya following recent natural disasters. [41460/23]
View answer41. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what supports the Government is providing for the people of Libya following Storm Daniel; and what actions his Department is taking to ensure the supports reach the people on the ground. [41911/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 12, 37 and 41 together.
I was shocked and saddened to learn of the earthquake in Morocco and of the flooding in Libya which has claimed so many lives. My thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones, the injured and emergency responders. In Libya, the flooding has affected a country whose people have already endured years of conflict, poverty and displacement.
Ireland stands in solidarity with the people affected by these tragedies and is providing immediate emergency humanitarian assistance. Funding from Ireland will facilitate a response at local level to those in most need.
Immediately following the news of the earthquake in Morocco, I announced a contribution of €2 million of Irish Aid funding to support the work of the International Federation of the Red Cross and the Moroccan Red Crescent Society, which forms a pivotal part of the local response. In Libya, Ireland has contributed €1 million of Irish Aid support to help cope with the consequences of this humanitarian disaster, also through the International Federation of the Red Cross. The allocations to Libya and Morocco will provide emergency shelter, clean drinking water and food, mobile health care including psychological support, and hygiene centres.
Ireland’s support is in addition to core funding of €2.4 million Euro already provided to the International Federation of the Red Cross by Ireland this year as part of a three-year agreement which allows the Federation to respond immediately when a disaster strikes. The International Federation of the Red Cross immediately disbursed €1 million Euro to support the operations of the Moroccan Red Crescent Society which provided medical assistance, and supported evacuation and coordination efforts.
Ireland also provides funds to the UN Central Emergency Response Fund which reacts rapidly and at scale when disasters happen. The Central Emergency Response Fund has announced funding of US$10 million in response to the floods in Libya. Ireland is the tenth largest contributor to the UN Central Emergency Response Fund, having provided €12.5 million to date this year.
