Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:14. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on movements for self-determination in Tibet and among the Uyghur nation of Central Asia. [19204/15]
Other Questions
Question No. 13 replied to with Written Answers.
Human Rights
The Minister had a very successful visit by the Chinese Prime Minister, Mr. Li Keqiang, and also met his counterpart, the Chinese Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Wang Yi. Progress was made on lifting the 15 year BSE-related ban. These changes and the meeting are important and several years ago we had the visit of the Chinese President, Mr. Xi. Did the Minister raise with Mr. Wang or Mr. Li the situation of the two large so-called autonomous regions of China, Tibet and the Uighur nation?
The Government follows events in Tibet and the Xinjiang Uighur region on a very close basis. Ireland, together with EU partners, believes that constructive dialogue between the Chinese Government and representatives of the Dalai Lama is the best way to address differences and tensions in Tibet and to reach a solution that respects Tibetan culture, language, religion and identity. It is important for the long-term peace and stability of the region that the two sides come to an agreement on the future of Tibet. To this end, we continue to encourage a resumption of meaningful dialogue. Ireland respects the territorial integrity of China and recognises the necessity of preventing acts of terrorism, as well as the adoption of counter-terrorism strategies that seek to prevent acts of terrorism. We condemn all acts of violence. However, we also take the view that security forces should practice restraint in exercising their competences to avoid providing fuel for further radicalisation and support the EU’s call on the Chinese authorities to address some of the deep-rooted causes of the frustration of the Uighurs, ensuring their right to practice their own culture, language and religion is respected.
Through the formal framework of the EU-China human rights dialogue, which was established in 1995, the EU continues to share with China its experience in the field of human rights protection and promotion and to urge the Chinese Government to take clear steps to improve the human rights situation in that country. At the most recent dialogue, which took place in December 2014 in Brussels, the EU and China held discussions on human rights issues, including the rights of persons belonging to religious minorities. The dialogue allowed the two sides to have a detailed exchange of views on a wide range of human rights issues. There was a specific focus on recent developments in China, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities, especially in Tibet.
I had an opportunity at the weekend of raising the situation in Tibet and the matter of human rights with my counterpart from China, Mr. Wang Yi.
I welcome the Minister's comments. I recall that as a backbencher, he expressed concerns regarding the repression of religious minorities, including Christians in Pakistan. In the case of Tibet, we are dealing with a 60-year history of repression of its people, their Buddhist religion and their profound and ancient traditions. Representatives of the International Campaign for Tibet made a presentation at the 28th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva setting out the human rights situation and outlining the growing despair of the Tibetan people. There has been a great deal of outrage recently about what is happening in Crimea. The reality is that in 1958 and 1959 the People's Republic of China essentially absorbed a millennia-old nation.
The World Uyghur Congress has provided a long list of instances of oppression of the Uyghur people. The International Uyghur Human Rights and Democracy Foundation states that Uyghurs are subjected to compulsory unpaid labour, including in the construction of a pipeline to export local petroleum resources to other parts of China. The Uyghurs are the only population in China consistently subjected to executions for political crimes, and these executions are both summary and public. A UN training seminar for Uyghur youth took place in Geneva in November, which is a positive development. However, there is ongoing and serious repression of people in the region, which used to be known as East Turkestan. The Uyghur Government, which is in exile in Kazakhstan, is calling on countries such as Ireland, which has its own history of repression, to speak up for it. Will the Minister now take a much more vigorous role in standing up for these two oppressed peoples? It is particularly apt that we should seek to help them at a time when we are reflecting on events in our own history in the period from 1915 to 1923.
We will continue to raise our concerns on these issues with our European partners. A united EU voice of 28 member states is more appropriate in many circumstances than the voice of one country. Having said that, I personally raised concerns regarding persecution on the basis of religion or belief when I addressed the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva last March. Ireland raised these same concerns in interactive dialogues with the council's special rapporteur on freedom of religion and belief and with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights during the 69th session of the Third Committee of the General Assembly in 2014.
Last weekend, the Taoiseach, the Chinese Premier, Mr. Li Keqiang, the Chinese Foreign Minister, Mr. Wang Yi, and I had a good discussion in a spirit of friendship in which we emphasised Ireland's deep commitment to human rights, the public concern in Ireland regarding human rights in China and the issues upon which we respectfully disagreed, including capital punishment. We welcomed the resumption of the EU-China human rights dialogue last December and expressed the strong wish that it proceed again this year. I had a useful, open and informal discussion with my Chinese counterpart on these issues. We discussed the situation in Tibet, with particular reference to the humanitarian situation in the aftermath of recent earthquakes in Nepal.
I assure the Deputy that we will avail of every opportunity to raise the concern contained in his question.
We have been reflecting recently, as we regained our sovereignty, on what happened in our own country. Perhaps it is an appropriate time to vigorously raise the issue of these two small nations. Has the Minister met the World Uyghur Congress or the International Campaign for Tibet or has he any intention of doing so? I know there have been visits by the Dalai Lama and so on, but is that something the Minister would be keen on, given his interest in these areas in the past?
I assure the Deputy that Ireland and our EU partners will continue to encourage a resumption of the meaningful dialogue with the Chinese Government and other representatives. It is important, while acknowledging and respecting the territorial integrity of China, that we also encourage the Chinese authorities to respect at all times the rights of all persons belonging to minorities and their right to freedom of expression.
Northern Ireland Issues
Brendan Smith
Ceist:15. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on the implementation of the Stormont House Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19280/15]
Before Christmas the Stormont House Agreement averted the collapse of the Northern Ireland Executive and legislative assembly, and impending financial suspension. At that time, Sinn Féin agreed to Tory welfare cuts, while the DUP agreed to progress on the proposals previously put forward during the failed Haass talks. At this stage, is the Minister satisfied with the implementation of the agreement alongside the established timescale for progress on different issues?
We are now entering an important point in the implementation process of the Stormont House Agreement. A number of target dates over a range of the areas included in the agreement will arise in the weeks ahead. To achieve these will require a concerted effort and an intensive political investment from the Northern Ireland Executive, from the UK Government and from the Irish Government.
It is important to recall how far we have come already in terms of the collective achievement of getting the Stormont House Agreement over the line in December and the progress made since then in implementing it. Since the start of the year, the two Governments and the Northern Ireland Executive parties have held two comprehensive formal review meetings. In February, a report on new priorities for North-South co-operation was agreed at a North-South Ministerial Council meeting in Belfast. Officials from Dublin, London and Belfast are preparing the groundwork for legislation to establish the new institutions for dealing with the past and the Northern Ireland party leaders continue to meet on a weekly basis to take forward work across the broad areas of responsibility they undertook in Stormont House.
It is disappointing that difficulties have recently arisen around the welfare element of the Stormont House Agreement. The Government is committed to the implementation of the totality of the provisions of the agreement and it is important to ensure that the developments around the welfare issue do not have a corrosive impact on the wider implementation of the agreement.
Now that the Westminster elections are over and a new UK Government is in place, there is an opportunity and obligation to refocus our efforts to implement the next phases of the agreement. I spoke with each of the Northern Ireland Executive party leaders in recent days and set out the Irish Government’s views in this regard. This is an opportunity to demonstrate that politics delivers and to create a way forward on issues that have been a source of difficulty for far too long. I will also discuss these issues with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Theresa Villiers, when I meet her later today, following on from our constructive telephone conversation last week. There are challenges ahead, not least on the issue of welfare, but I am confident that, working together in good faith, the parties in the Executive can deliver the solutions the people of Northern Ireland expect and deserve.
The next implementation and review meeting will take place in late June, when a six-month progress report will also be published by the two Governments. I will continue to keep this House informed of progress in that regard.
I thank the Minister for his detailed response and welcome the ongoing work on the matter. It is important that the historical investigations unit be established as soon as possible as we are all aware of different cases - murders, bombings, loss of life and terrible injuries that have been caused to people - which have not been properly investigated.
We hope the establishment of the historical investigations unit will ensure that the British authorities comply with their obligations to ensure thorough and full investigations.
The Minister referred to the legislative work that follows on from the Stormont House Agreement. My recollection is that the Minister outlined in replies I received from him that the British Government gave a commitment to enact the necessary legislation to establish the historical investigations unit in 2016. Will the Minister raise the issue with the Secretary of State to ensure it is part of the legislative programme that the new British Government puts before parliament next week, in order that there will be no delay in implementing the legislation as soon as possible?
I would be happy to convey the Deputy's concerns directly to the Secretary of State. I will report back to him following my meeting this evening. I wish to assure the House once again that both Governments commit to full co-operation with all bodies involved. The Deputy mentioned the legislation that will be necessary to establish the historical investigations unit. The legislation is currently being drafted. Work on the operational detail of the historical investigations unit is currently being led by the Northern Ireland Department of Justice and the Northern Ireland Executive party leaders in consultation with the Northern Ireland Office, with a view towards the introduction of legislation in Westminster. My officials continue to follow this process closely.
As I mentioned previously to the Deputy, in most legacy cases, An Garda Síochána will continue to be responsible for investigations into deaths related to the Troubles in this jurisdiction where successful prosecutions have not resulted. I note the Deputy's concern about the meeting of the target framework of 2016 for the legislation. I remind him that we are still in the first half of 2015 and that the British Government was involved with electoral issues in recent weeks. Notwithstanding that, I hope the appropriate legislation will be drafted and published at the very earliest opportunity.
As the Minister is aware, it is very important that the appropriate mechanisms be put in place to deal with the legacy of the past and that we try in some way to ease the suffering and burden that has been placed on so many families through the needless loss of life and the murder of so many innocent people over the period known as the Troubles. On 17 May we marked the 41st anniversary of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings. Unfortunately, the British Government has not responded to the unanimous calls of this House in 2008 and 2011 to give access to the paper files it has relating to the carnage that occurred on that day 41 years ago to an eminent international legal person. I would appreciate if the Minister could once again raise this matter with the Secretary of State.
Could he also let us know whether progress is being made in regard to the new mechanism for parades, including the determination of applications for permission to parade in various areas?
I and my officials continue to monitor the situation with regard to parades very closely, with particular reference to north Belfast. Last year saw the most peaceful marching season in Northern Ireland for many years. I again encourage all stakeholders to build on last year's successful marching season. I do not underestimate the challenge but I believe it can be overcome through dialogue and mutual respect.
Another anniversary of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings has passed. I wish to express my disappointment that the appropriate files and papers have not yet been made available. I will, however, encourage the British Government to make the files available. I raised the matter on the previous occasion on which I met the Secretary of State. I understand the Taoiseach has also raised the issue directly with the UK Prime Minister, David Cameron. It is an issue to which I will return this evening in the course of my discussions with the Secretary of State, Theresa Villiers.
I believe it is important that we get full co-operation, particularly for the victims, families and survivors. It is important that we move towards eventual closure on these issues and the release of papers, documents and files is fundamental in that regard. I assure the Deputy of my continued interest in the matter.
Deputy Crowe is not present so we will proceed to Question No. 17.
Question No. 16 replied to with Written Answers.
Foreign Policy
Maureen O'Sullivan
Ceist:17. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in view of improving relations between the US and Cuba, and in view of Ireland signing a memorandum of understanding with Cuba, if progress can be expected in relation to the banking difficulties of Irish friendship groups with Cuba with Irish bank accounts in this country. [19333/15]
In view of the improving relations between America and Cuba and Ireland's signing a memorandum of understanding with Cuba, can we expect progress regarding the banking difficulties in this country with the Irish bank accounts of Irish friendship groups with Cuba?
The Secretary General of my Department, Mr. Burgess, visited Havana for talks last month and, as noted, signed a memorandum on the establishment of a mechanism for political consultations. This will provide a useful structure for official level dialogue on international issues in the future.
I warmly welcome the historic decision by President Obama and by President Castro on the restoration of bilateral diplomatic relations and subsequent developments. Ireland’s concerns regarding the embargo are long standing and clear and were set out most recently on 28 October last year in our support for the relevant resolution at the UN General Assembly. We are firmly of the view that the lifting of the embargo would facilitate an opening of Cuba’s economy to the benefit of its people. We have stated our strong opposition to the extraterritorial application of the legislation giving effect to the embargo.
The banking difficulties referred to in the Deputy’s question were addressed by my colleague, the Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan, in reply to a question on 14 November last year and by me in a reply on 26 November. My officials raised the difficulties that have emerged, in so far as the extraterritorial application of US legislation is relevant, with the US side. In response, the US has noted the concerns of banks everywhere to reduce risk in the face of heightened financial regulation and oversight. The US states that the US Government does not direct financial institutions to maintain particular financial relationships and recommends contact by relevant parties with the US Department of the Treasury’s office of foreign asset control for information regarding Cuba related transactions.
The historic developments of recent months have seen immense progress in US-Cuba relations. We look forward to the ending of the embargo with the removal of all remaining inhibitions to trade and contact with Cuba. I acknowledge Deputy O'Sullivan's interest in this matter and I hope that we can report progress over the course of this year. I also acknowledge the interest of the Acting Chairman in these important issues.
The memorandum of understanding has been long awaited and is very welcome. I noted that the Secretary General said it was an honour to be present on that occasion. He also spoke about friendship and future trade. However, at the same time it must have been embarrassing for him that Irish banks have closed the accounts of Irish friendship groups because the word "Cuba" was in the title. That is the bottom line. It is also embarrassing for us, as a supposedly sovereign country that has power over its own activities, that this continues for Irish people and Irish friendship groups. We are not talking about vast amounts of money, just small amounts. However, those accounts were closed at the behest of Bank of Ireland arising from a directive from American institutions. Has the Minister had any conversation with the American ambassador, for example, about this issue? It is detrimental to relations between Ireland and Cuba and it shows disrespect to the Cuban people.
Officials in my Department have consulted widely with other Departments on this issue and also with the Central Bank. In so far as the issue of extraterritorial application of US law is appropriate, we raised the matter in political consultations with the United States and we restated our position. I recognise the limitations on what the US Federal Government can do in this matter, given the strict separation of powers between the executive and legislature in its system. However, I do not believe President Obama can be faulted. He has made a robust effort to tackle this long-standing issue, and the steps he has taken so far must be acknowledged fully.
The extraterritorial legislation in question is congressional legislation, in particular the Cuban Democracy Act of 1992 and the Helms-Burton Act of 1996. I welcome President Obama's willingness to engage with the US Congress in this matter and to the lifting of the legislation in question. The information provided by the US has been forwarded to the Minister, Deputy Noonan, in the Department of Finance and to the Central Bank for further consideration of how we might proceed further.
Apart from those business-type accounts, there was also a personal account recently of an Irish couple who were told they could not transfer money from one branch of Bank of Ireland to another because the word "Cuba" was in the transfer. There are implications here. What about our democracy? We have a right to have a bank account and to use whatever words we like in that context. Is the Minister expecting a positive outcome from the answer he gave me? I would also like to know whether there are any plans for an official visit from our Government to Cuba. Alternatively, an official invitation might be extended to the Cuban Government to visit Ireland in the near future.
I would like to make it clear that the Irish Government is opposed to the extraterritorial application of the US legislation in question. We have asserted this on numerous occasions and we will continue to do so. We have already raised the current issues directly with the US. A decision by the US Congress to lift the embargo would of course be welcomed by Ireland. While we do not envisage that we will intervene directly in the debate, we have made our position clear in bilateral contacts with the US Government and we will continue to do so.
As Deputy Paul Murphy is not present, we will proceed to Question No. 19.
Question No. 18 replied to with Written Answers.
Undocumented Irish in the USA
Brendan Smith
Ceist:19. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on his efforts on behalf of undocumented Irish emigrants in the United States of America; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19282/15]
As all of us in this House know, the difficulties encountered by so many Irish emigrants in the United States, who are commonly referred to as the "undocumented Irish", represent an issue of grave concern to the individual emigrants themselves, their families in the US and their families here in Ireland. We are all aware of the difficulties faced by those emigrants when they need to travel home for a family occasion, such as a celebratory event or an event necessitated by a family bereavement. Can the Minister give us an update on the progress, if any, that is being made to regularise the position of the more than 10,000 undocumented Irish in the US of whom we are aware?
The achievement of relief for undocumented Irish migrants in the United States is a priority for the Government in our contacts with that country. We are continuing to work closely with high-level Government contacts, as well as with many other individuals and groups across Irish America and beyond, through the Irish Embassy in Washington and our consulates throughout the US. All of this work is aimed at achieving relief for undocumented Irish migrants in the US and improved channels for legal migration between Ireland and the US.
During his visit to the US in March and throughout a series of high-level contacts with the US Administration, with the US Congress and at state level, the Taoiseach has raised the issue of immigration reform and the plight of the undocumented Irish. He has stressed that almost every family in Ireland is related to or knows somebody who is caught up in this deeply distressing situation. During his meeting with President Obama on 17 March last, the Taoiseach commended him on the executive action he announced last year. This action is currently the subject of legal proceedings in the US federal courts. The Taoiseach emphasised the need to allow the undocumented Irish to come out of the shadows and be free to travel home for family events. He highlighted the issue of those among the undocumented Irish who might be eligible for visas, but who would be required to return to Ireland for their issuance and hence would require waivers for their prior periods of undocumented residence.
The Taoiseach also pointed to the need for a legal pathway to allow for future Irish immigration to the US by those who wish to make a contribution there. He expressed the hope that a political way forward on this issue could be found to encourage progress on a comprehensive package of legislation by the US Congress. President Obama spoke of his executive actions on immigration reform and acknowledged the contribution of Irish immigrants to America's development. He said he considers that one of the great strengths of the US has always been its willingness to welcome new immigrants to its shores.
I also had the opportunity of raising the issue of immigration reform, including the possibility of immigration reform legislation and the question of visa waivers, when I met with Vice President Joe Biden in Boston on 30 March. I have also had the opportunity to discuss these matters on several occasions with the recently appointed US ambassador, Kevin O’Malley.
I thank the Minister and wish him well in his continuing work on this very important issue. We are all aware of families, and often elderly parents, who are concerned that sons or daughters may not be able to travel home from the United States for family occasions. It is raised constantly at our constituency clinics, in particular with those of us who represent counties with a significant history of emigration. I cannot emphasise strongly enough the importance of ensuring that every avenue is pursued to try to make progress on this very important issue.
Does the Minister have an update on the executive proposal initiated by President Obama some time ago, which a section of the Republican Party opposed? It has been indicated to me that some countries got a visa waiver programme and that we had not sought such a scheme. I do not know if that is correct.
Last November, President Obama announced his long-promised executive action on US immigration policy but in February of this year an injunction was granted by a federal judge in Texas. This forced the Department of Homeland Security to halt the roll-out of the expanded direct admission of students abroad, DASA, programme and the new deferred action to parents of Americans and lawful permanent residents, DAPA programme. The Administration duly appealed the matter and this is now before a panel from the US Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. This will require that the application be considered for an emergency stay on the injunction. If the ruling goes against the Administration, it is expected to appeal all the way to the Supreme Court. I acknowledge that there is a legal difficulty in the US upon which we do not have a direct influence and which we are not in a position to say will be finally resolved. It would not be appropriate for me to comment or speculate on the US legal process, which is continuing. That notwithstanding, the Government supports any steps that can be taken to improve the plight, in many respects the very sad plight, of the undocumented Irish in the United States.
There has been mention of an application for a visa-ban waiver. The Deputy is aware from previous discussion of this matter, both at the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade and in the House, that an application for waiver on the grounds of inadmissibility is an application for legal entry to the US made by an individual who is otherwise inadmissible on one or more grounds. There are very technical, complex and legal difficulties involved in this. We are in communication with Ambassador O’Malley and are endeavouring to find a solution that will advance matters for the benefit of the thousands of Irish undocumented throughout the United States.
Does the Minister have any indication of when the legal process in regard to President Obama’s executive proposal is likely to be determined and when the court process will be complete? Are any efforts being made by Republicans and Democrats in the House of Congress to go back to a proposal that would meet with favour through the normal legislative route?
I do not have a date in respect of this court hearing. Should I get any information, I will be happy to report that to the Deputy. It would not be wise of me to speculate on a likely hearing date for a court action. The Deputy is correct that, the court case notwithstanding, it is important that we continue to ensure we raise these issues with our US counterparts as often as possible.
I referred to the Taoiseach's engagement with President Obama and my meetings with Vice President Biden. In addition, the Taoiseach discussed immigration issues with Congressman Paul Ryan of the Republican Party during his visit to Ireland on 30 March. The Government as a whole, including my Department and the embassy in Washington, will continue at all times to follow up on all the issues raised recently with the US Administration, Congress and the US embassy in Dublin. I urge all Deputies, including Deputy Brendan Smith, to pursue this matter with any contacts they may have as such endeavours would be especially useful in ensuring political support across the House of Representatives for this most important issue.
Question No. 20 replied to with Written Answers.
Humanitarian Aid Provision
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:21. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the European Union, the United Nations, and the international community in general, have effectively responded to the disaster in Nepal; the extent to which the European authorities have engaged with the authorities in Nepal, in the context of the co-ordination of the delivery of aid, and meeting the requirements of the homeless and displaced; the extent to which the international community continues to benefit from past experience, in the context of such missions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19284/15]
The purpose of the question is to ascertain the extent to which the international community has satisfactorily and successfully responded to the disaster in Nepal and whether co-operation and co-ordination between various bodies, including the United Nations and European Union, have been adequate.
The earthquakes in Nepal on 25 April and 12 May had horrific humanitarian consequences for the region. Irish Aid, working with Irish non-governmental organisations, NGOs, is fully committed to making a contribution to the response and we are working closely with the European Union and United Nations. The European Commission allocated €22.6 million in assistance to the Government of Nepal to help address urgent needs and the United Nations has appealed for $423 million to address critical needs in the coming three months. As of 13 May, $58 million has been contributed by the international community.
Thus far, the Government has announced the provision of €1.5 million in Irish Aid support for the humanitarian response in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake. In responding, Irish Aid has focused on the provision of life-saving assistance, including shelter, water and hygiene supplies for displaced persons. Our funding has been channelled through our NGO partners. We are also providing more than 100 tonnes of emergency supplies through the rapid response initiative. They include tents, blankets, tarpaulins, water and sanitation equipment, all of which are most urgently needed at this stage in the crisis. To date, more than 63 tonnes of supplies have arrived and are being distributed across the region.
Based on lessons learned from previous crises, the United Nations has put in place clear systems to ensure the most effective, efficient and rapid delivery of aid possible. The difficult terrain, a second major earthquake last week and the capacity of local infrastructure present significant challenges for the relief effort. My officials will continue to liaise with partners on this tragic humanitarian issue and review what further assistance Ireland can provide.
In terms of our consular response, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade opened its emergency response centre on Saturday, 25 April. An experienced consular team maintained contact with families and provided practical assistance and support to citizens in the affected areas of Nepal. The Department quickly accounted for the safety of all Irish citizens known to be living or working in the affected areas. Co-operation with the European Union and international partners formed a key part of our crisis response. The Department is continuing to provide assistance to Irish citizens in Nepal and is keeping its travel advice under review.
I thank the Minister for his comprehensive reply. Is the international community satisfied that the deployment of aid has been sufficiently rapid and has reached those for whom it was intended, having regard to the urgent need to respond quickly?
I assure Deputy Durkan that the Government of Nepal is leading the response efforts and has declared a state of emergency across the affected districts. The United Nations resident and humanitarian co-ordinator for Nepal is co-ordinating international assistance on the ground in support of the country's Government. While it has been reported that much aid has not yet been delivered, I understand the position has improved significantly in recent days.
Deputy Durkan will be interested to learn that Ireland is increasing its funding for humanitarian assistance to families who were displaced by the recent earthquakes. The Government announced additional funding of €500,000 today, bringing Ireland's total contribution to €1.5 million. This increase in funding has been provided in response to the mounting humanitarian need that has become apparent as a result of ongoing assessments by Irish Aid partners on the ground.
I assure the Deputy that the Department, in conjunction with Irish non-governmental organisations, will continue to closely monitor the position and I will be pleased to keep the House informed of developments in the region.
I thank the Minister again for his comprehensive rely. To what extent has an evaluation been done of logistics on the ground, with particular reference to the deployment of aid? For example, has transport become a problem and to what extent has the international community been able to replace conventional transport systems with other modes of transport such as helicopters?
As Deputy Durkan will be aware, this is a challenging and difficult issue. The terrain is extremely difficult, damage is widespread and the priority is to ensure power, water and transport are available. The United Nations has issued an appeal for $423 million in support of the efforts of the Government of Nepal to address the most critical needs of shelter, sanitation and water, emergency health, food and protection. While the circumstances are, therefore, most difficult and challenging, every effort is being made by the international community to ensure the best possible response in the most tragic of circumstances.