Brendan Howlin
Ceist:44 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he proposes to give assistance to the new Ethiopian Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Assistance to Ethiopian Government.
The Government have provided emergency and humanitarian aid to the victims of famine in Ethiopia without reference to the political situation. The installation of a new Ethiopian interim administration in no way changes the position of the Government.
Irish assistance has been provided through our disaster relief contributions which, since January 1990, have amounted to £860,000 and through our participation in the relief programmes of international organisations, in particular the European Community. In 1991 to date the EC has provided a total of approximately 135 MECU in emergency and food aid.
The Government will continue to be as generous as possible and to support all efforts aimed at ensuring an effective relief operation in Ethiopia at this critical time.