Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 May 2024
128. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is aware of the catastrophic flooding, due to never-seen-before levels of rain, that has been devastating the south Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul (details supplied); and the actions the Government is taking to provide support to those affected by this crisis. [22644/24]
View answerI am deeply saddened by the loss of life and injuries resulting from the recent flooding in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, and am aware of the many difficulties that the floods have caused, and continue to cause, for those in the region. I want to take this opportunity to extend my sympathies to all of those affected.
To ensure a quick and effective response to crises such as this, Ireland provides funding to pooled humanitarian funds which can quickly disburse funding to organisations on the ground. In 2024, this includes €14 million to the UN Central Emergency Response Fund, €1.4 million to the Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies; and €1.4 million to the START Fund, which provides rapid humanitarian funding to non-governmental organisations. In response to the flooding in Rio Grande do Sul, the DREF has allocated US$1 million to the Brazilian Red Cross, which is supporting affected people across the region. The START Fund has allocated €225,000 to the non-governmental organisation CAFOD, which will provide water and cash assistance to affected communities.
Ireland also provides significant development assistance through the European Union. I welcome the recent approval of €1 million of EU humanitarian funding for this crisis, as well as the activation of the EU Copernicus Emergency Management Service, which provides flood and damage assessment mapping.
