Dan Wallace
Ceist:72 Mr. D. Wallace asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps, if any taken by the United Nations to palliate the effect of sanctions on the people of Iraq. [6856/95]
Written Answers. - UN Sanctions on Iraq.
I am concerned at reports on the situation of the civilian population in Iraq.
The importation of medical supplies and basic foodstuffs into Iraq is not prohibited by UN sanctions. In addition, UN Security Council Resolutions 706 and 712 permit the export of oil in order to fund purchases of food, medicines and goods for essential civilian use. Iraq has refused to accept the terms of these resolutions and must bear some if not all of the responsibility for the continued deterioration of living standards.
The UN operates a humanitarian assistance programme in Iraq on the basis of a Memorandum of Understanding concluded between the UN and the Government of Iraq in October 1992. This programme concentrates in particular on assistance in the health sector, water supply and food distribution to vulnerable groups. Over 150 UN personnel are involved in this relief effort, supported by local Iraqi staff.
Ireland has decided to provide a grant of £100,000 for UNICEF programmes in Iraq, in response to a consolidated UN inter-agency appeal for humanitarian assistance in that country, which was launched on 21 March.