Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 11 May 1999

Vol. 504 No. 4

Written Answers. - Humanitarian Assistance.

Gay Mitchell

Ceist:

117 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the work of a group (details supplied) in Bosnia-Herzegovina; and his views on whether non-governmental organisations distributing humanitarian aid in the Kosovo region should consider an umbrella group approach to fund raising and aid targets. [11983/99]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Andrews)

I am aware of the activities of the group referred to by the Deputy, and in particular of the work they are carrying out in the Balkans with Kosovar refugees.

I had the opportunity to hear their views when I met recently with Irish NGOs to discuss Ireland's humanitarian assistance to Kosovo. In addition, this group recently had a meeting with officials from Irish Aid. Effective co-ordination is one of the keys to the timely and successful deliv ery of emergency aid. Failures of co-ordination in previous crises led to duplication of aid in some places and gaps in others.

Ireland strongly supports the role of the United Nations in the co-ordination of humanitarian assistance of the international community. The United Nations High Commission for Refugees – UNHCR – has been nominated the lead agency co-ordinating the humanitarian response to the Kosovo crisis. When considering the disbursal of humanitarian assistance the Government takes into account the ability of agencies to work collaboratively with UN, other NGOs and host government officials.

While the Government strongly supports the need to ensure effective and efficient co-ordination of humanitarian assistance, it is up to the non-governmental organisations to decide whether they wish to work together under an umbrella group to raise funds.