Emer Higgins
Ceist:454. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way that the Irish embassy in Tanzania is delivering the Irish Aid programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13369/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 10 March 2021
Ceisteanna (454)
Freagraí scríofa
The Government’s policy for international development, ‘A Better World’, launched in February 2019, commits to scaling Ireland’s investment across four policy priorities: gender equality; reducing humanitarian need; climate action and strengthening governance.
This policy was complemented, in November 2019, by the Government’s Strategy for Africa to 2025, which builds on Ireland’s long history of engagement in the continent and commits to working with African countries in their efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, with a particular focus on reaching those furthest behind first. In May 2020, an OECD review recognised the excellence of Irish Aid, Ireland’s international development programme, which helps Ireland play a leading role advocating for poverty reduction, channelling our assistance to where it is needed most.
Ireland has been providing development assistance to Tanzania since 1975. Over that time, Ireland has worked with a wide variety of partner organisations including government institutions, UN agencies, international research institutions, civil society organisations and other donor agencies to deliver on the overall goal of inclusive growth and reduced poverty and vulnerability in Tanzania.
In line with ‘A Better World’, gender equality, strengthened governance, and climate change adaptation are the priority areas for Ireland’s current programme in Tanzania, as well as continued efforts to reduce humanitarian need through support for refugee response efforts.
Ireland works in Tanzania to address gender equality through partnerships that improve healthcare for women and children. These efforts are complemented by support for primary and community based health care services, including reducing malnutrition and stunting, in isolated and under-served rural communities and especially among pregnant women and young children. This programme provides targeted support to those most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, Irish Aid supports technical skills training for adolescents and support to farmers, including and especially women farmers, to produce climate adapted food crops. In seeking to reach the furthest behind first, Ireland plays an important role in supporting and strengthening social protection systems in Tanzania.
To reduce humanitarian need and support the refugee response in Tanzania, Ireland has provided much-needed support to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. This has helped in the voluntary repatriation of refugees, the provision of basic healthcare services at refugee camps, and assisted in the response to COVID-19 amongst refugee populations.
Improving governance and supporting effective institutions is another major focus of Ireland’s programme in Tanzania. In this respect, the Embassy works with UN partners to strengthen access to justice, in conjunction with the Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance.