Vol. 500 No. 5
89 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of countries in respect of which Ireland has offered aid to alleviate the consequences of natural disasters; if he has responded positively in all cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4513/99]
The Department of Foreign Affairs provides aid to countries affected by natural disasters through the Emergency Humanitarian Assistance Fund. Ireland also responds to natural disasters, as part of the EU, through the European Commission Humanitarian Office.
The Emergency Humanitarian Assistance Fund is designed to respond to both natural and man-made disasters by providing the basic needs necessary to sustain and protect life and reduce suffering. The distinction between natural and man-made disasters can be difficult, famine may be caused by crop failures or drought, but unfavourable weather conditions are exacerbated by long drawn out conflicts in those societies e.g. the present situation in Sudan and the Great Lakes Region.
The number of emergencies, including natural disasters, around the world is always going to exceed available funding and it is therefore never going to be possible to respond positively in every case. However, during the period since January 1998, funding has been provided to the main areas affected by natural disasters such as Central America, Bangladesh and China. A list of these countries and the amount of assistance provided accompanies this reply. A second list includes countries where the need for aid is caused by a combination of man-made and natural factors. In addition, assistance is provided for post-emergency rehabilitation of areas affected by both natural disasters and conflict. Details of assistance provided prior to 1998 are published in Irish Aid's annual reports which are available in the Oireachtas library.
1. Emergency Humanitarian Assistance To Countries Affected By Natural Disasters
(1 January 98 – 15 February 99)
|
Country/Region |
Description |
Amount |
|
£ |
||
|
Afghanistan |
Earthquakes |
100,000.00 |
|
Bangladesh |
Typhoons |
100,000.00 |
|
Central America* |
Hurricane |
750,000.00 |
|
Colombia |
Earthquake |
100,000.00 |
|
China |
Flooding |
125,000.00 |
|
Indonesia* |
Drought |
100,000.00 |
|
India |
Flooding |
75,000.00 |
|
Kenya |
Flooding |
75,000.00 |
|
Philippines |
Typhoons |
50,000.00 |
|
Somalia |
Flooding |
75,000.00 |
*Notes:
Central America mainly refers to Honduras and Nicaragua but also includes Guatemala and El Salvador.
Assistance to Indonesia was specifically to the Irian Jaya region which is also known as West Papua.
2. Emergency Humanitarian Assistance To Countries Affected By Both Natural And Manmade Disasters
(1 January 98 – 15 February 99)
|
Country/Region |
Description |
Amount |
|
£ |
||
|
Burundi |
Food Shortage/Conflict |
659,000.00 |
|
Rwanda |
Food Shortage/Conflict |
250,000.00 |
|
Sudan |
Food Shortage/Conflict |
1,153,000.00 |
