Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 February 2023
318. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline the nature and extent of the medical aid going from Ireland to the earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria; if he will outline the efforts being made to ensure that insulin and blood glucose devices are included with the medical aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9954/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government responded very quickly to support people affected by the devastating earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria. We announced, and have allocated, €10 million in direct humanitarian funding for trusted partners delivering life-saving assistance on the ground in both countries. This support includes ensuring the provision of urgent medical care.
In Türkiye, we are supporting emergency health needs through our funding to the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) who are providing mental and physical health services, shelter, food and water. With our funding, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA have scaled up the protection of the health and rights of women and girls and repositioned their existing health units to treat emergency needs of the most vulnerable.
Ireland’s support to the Syria Cross Border humanitarian Fund, managed by the UN, has allowed medical supplies and equipment to be transported quickly to people in the worst affected parts of Syria. In both countries, we are funding Irish NGOs who are providing psychological and trauma support, amongst other needs, to thousands of people in need.
Over 130 tonnes of emergency supplies have been provided under Ireland’s Rapid Response Initiative. This includes tents, thermal blankets, solar lamps, hygiene kits, kitchen sets and water jerry cans, distributed by Concern and Goal in Türkiye and by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in Northwest Syria. The total provided to date is worth almost €1 million, with an additional consignment planned.
Ireland also contributes to global funds and is providing core funding to key agencies including UNICEF which are allocating funding to the earthquake response. We are also supporting the World Health Organisation (WHO) which has sent health supplies to reach over 400,000 people in the areas affected by the earthquakes.
