Vol. 424 No. 8
210 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason this country is far behind the list of countries accepting refugees from Yugoslavia in view of our concern for the welfare of refugees; the way in which Ireland is at the end of the line having accepted only a handful of refugees while Germany (220,000), Austria (57,000), Hungary (50,000) and Sweden (47,000) lead the field in giving a home to the refugees; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ireland is playing its part in the international response to the humanitarian crisis in the former Yugoslavia. Following a Government decision, a group of 178 refugees arrived in Ireland in early September. These refugees are now settled at the Cherry Orchard Reception Centre where they are being provided with a special induction programme which includes specialist counselling and language training. The Government and the relevant Departments and Agencies involved have spared no effort in ensuring that the refugees are made as comfortable as possible.
The Government have also responded to appeals for assistance for those refugees and displaced persons remaining in the area of the former Yugoslavia. £100,000 has been donated to the UNHCR and a further £10,000 to nongovernmental organisations working to assist refugees. In addition, Ireland is contributing its share of the European Community's programmes in respect of the former Yugoslavia.
In the wake of the appeal made at the Birmingham European Council the Government intend to contribute an additional sum of £200,000 to assist the people in the region who are facing harsh winter conditions without proper shelter or food and medical supplies. This money will be channelled through UNHCR. The Government have also indicated their readiness to provide Army personnel for logistical support in the delivery of humanitarian aid.
