Peter Barry
Ceist:32 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government were requested to make a contribution, by either the United Nations or the United States of America, to the cost of the present crisis in the Gulf.
Written Answers. - Gulf Conflict.
In response to the crisis in the Gulf, three specialist agencies of the United Nations, UNDRO (United Nations Disaster Relief Organisation), UNRWA (United Nations Relief Works Agency) and UNICEF (United Nations International Childrens Education Fund) made a series of international appeals as did other aid and relief agencies for funding to assist the repatriation of migrant workers from Iraq and Kuwait. Ireland has provided IR £158,000 in respect of appeals from the European Community, Concern, the International Red Cross and Trócaire.
In September, the United States made a démarche to all European Community capitals raising the question of economic support for those states most severely affected by the economic consequences of the Gulf crisis, in particular as a result of the implementation of sanctions against Iraq and Kuwait.
This approach by the United States was made after a decision had been taken in principle by Ministers meeting in European Political Co-operation in Rome on 7 September to provide short term financial assistance to Egypt, Jordan, and Turkey to offset the effects of implementing the embargo. EC Foreign Ministers decided on 1 October, to provide the sum of 1.5 billion ECU for this purpose, to be funded through the Community budget and through bilateral contributions from member states. Ireland, as a member of the Community, will contribute through the Community Budget and bilaterally. This aid will be part of a wider international effort in which the US and others are also participating.