Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 November 2023
194. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what action Ireland is taking with European partners in relation to Russia continuing to weaponise food and undermine global food security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50059/23]
View answerRussia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine exacerbated an existing global food and nutrition security crisis. Ireland has long championed efforts to combat hunger, famine and malnutrition – and we continue to scale up our response.
We have been unequivocal in our support for the people and Government of Ukraine. We commend Ukraine’s efforts to ensure that countries most affected by food insecurity can continue to access the critical supplies they need. In September, as part of a package of direct Irish support to Ukraine of €26 million, we announced €2 million in assistance for the Grain from Ukraine initiative launched by President Zelenskyy to provide grain to at least 5 million people in developing countries..
This year, the Government is providing €75 million to address humanitarian and other needs in Ukraine and in neighbouring countries, and the growing food security and nutrition crisis in vulnerable countries. This year, through our international development programme, Ireland will provide a total of €284 million on food, agriculture and nutrition programmes globally.
We were deeply concerned when Russia announced In July that it would not agree to extend the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which facilitated the export of grain and other foodstuffs from Ukrainian ports.
Ireland has strongly supported EU efforts to alleviate food insecurity, most notably through the EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes. More broadlly, we have continued to underscore the importance of UN Security Council Resolution 2417 which acknowledges the link between conflict and food insecurity, and condemns the use of starvation of civilians as a method of warfare.
