Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 May 2013
29. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide more details of what was discussed at the Somalia Conference which was held in London and attended by Minister for Development and Trade Joe Costello; and if there are any immediate plans for Ireland to increase our support to Somalia. [23217/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI represented Ireland at the Somalia Conference in London on 7 May which was attended by representatives of more than 50 countries and international organisations. The conference discussed a wide range of issues relating to ongoing efforts to consolidate lasting peace and stability in Somalia after twenty years of conflict and lawlessness.
Significant progress has been made on consolidating peace and stability in Somalia, but continuing and immense challenges are faced by the new Government.
In London last week, the Somali President, Ahmed Sheikh Mohamoud, and his Ministers presented to the international community their ‘Six Pillar Policy’ – a plan which outlines immediate national priorities. These were discussed and generally endorsed, and many participants at the Conference indicated ways in which they will provide support to Somalia in helping to deliver on these plans and targets.
A significant focus of attention was on the security situation. This is appropriate given the continuing threat from Al Shabaab terrorists which has been all too graphically illustrated by recent deadly and cowardly attacks in Mogadishu and elsewhere. Ireland is making an important contribution to efforts to improve the security situation in the country through providing the Commander and a significant contingent of personnel for the EU Training Mission in Somalia, which is building the capacity of the Somali National Security Forces to enable them to take over responsibility for security and law and order.
There was also emphasis on the need for help in areas such as justice, policing, financial management and prevention of sexual violence.
A Communiqué was issued at the conclusion of the meeting which covers the issues discussed in detail. I have arranged for a copy to be sent by my Department to the Deputy.
In my intervention at the London conference, I stressed the need for continued attention to be paid to the humanitarian needs of those affected by the conflict, including internally displaced persons and refugees in neighbouring countries, notably Kenya. Ireland has contributed more than €41 million to efforts to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Somalia and the region, and we are committed to continuing to provide support and help in this area.
We have also indicated, in the context of our new Policy on International Development, One World, One Future which we launched earlier this month, and which has a strengthened focus on fragile states, that Ireland will examine other opportunities for assisting Somalia’s recovery in the period ahead.
A further important international conference on Somalia, with particular focus on ways of supporting its economic and social development in the context of the Busan New Deal on Fragile States, will be hosted by the European Union in Brussels later this year.
