Nora Owen
Ceist:81 Mrs. Owen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps, if any, the Government will take to highlight the plight of the many Sierra Leone people who are displaced, homeless, hungry and without any human rights.
Written Answers. - Effects of Unrest in Sierra Leone.
There is reason for serious concern at the continuing unstable situation in the Eastern and Southern parts of Sierra Leone which has been the cause of many deaths and the displacement of thousands of people from the region. As I indicated in the adjourment debate last week the recent killing of Fr. Felim McAllister, an Irish Holy Ghost missionary, by rebel elements is tragic and it highlights the difficult circumstances in the area.
In recent months the Eastern and Southern regions of the country have been the scene of increased rebel activity caused largely by dissident elements in the Sierra Leone army who have combined with rebels crossing over the border from neighbouring Liberia.
Last year Ireland donated £30,000 to Christian Aid for emergency assistance for Liberian refugees in Sierra Leone and £25,000 to Trócaire for medical assistance. We have also raised the political and humanitarian situation in Sierra Leone with our partners in the European Union. Our aim will be, in consultation with our partners, to encourage the Government of Sierra Leone to implement its recently published programme for a smooth transition to democracy within the timetable it has set.