Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 September 2023
25. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will update members on what role Ireland will play in providing support and relief following the floods in Libya; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41809/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 10 September, Storm Daniel struck north-eastern Libya, with torrential rains and flash floods affecting wide areas, including the city of Derna. It is estimated at this stage that over 5,000 people have died, but thousands more are missing and very significant numbers are displaced.
Responding immdiately to the crisis, the Government announced €1 million in humanitarian assistance for the International Federation of the Red Cross and the Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), which are working directly with the Libyan Red Crescent on the ground. The Libyan Red Crescent provided search & rescue and relief operations in the critical first days. Ireland's funding continues to support its work supporting local communities most affected through the provision of emergency shelter, clean drinking water and food, mobile health care, including psychological support, and hygiene centres.
To respond to immediate emergency health needs the World Health Organisation (WHO), which receives core funding from Ireland, deployed emergency kits and medical supplies to Libya.
Ireland also provides pre-positioned funds to the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) which reacts rapidly and at scale when disasters happen. CERF has announced funding of $10 million in response to the floods in Libya. Ireland is the tenth largest contributor to the CERFs, providing $12.5 million so far this year.
Ireland also provides €2.4m in annual funding to the IFRC including funding for its pooled Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) which releases funding in the first hours of a disaster and has provided €1 million for the crisis in Libya.
The Department of Foreign Affairs is continuing to monitor the situation in Libya with our partners on the ground, including updates on specific needs and further response required from the international community.
