Holly Cairns
Ceist:1022. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the details of his engagement with South Sudanese officials as part of his St. Patrick's Day visit. [12526/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 20 March 2024
Ceisteanna (1022, 1023, 1024)
Holly Cairns
Ceist:1023. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the details of any discussions he or his officials had with South Sudanese officials in relation to trade opportunities and/or the potential export of milk and non-milk powder; and if such discussions took place, if a human rights and environmental impact assessment has taken place in relation to those exports. [12527/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraHolly Cairns
Ceist:1024. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the Irish businesses he met with during his trip to South Sudan. [12528/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1022 to 1024, inclusive, together.
My visit to South Sudan, the first ever by a Cabinet Minister since their independence in 2011, provided an opportunity for Ireland to demonstrate our continued support for the people of South Sudan. Ireland’s support includes assistance through Irish Aid, through partnerships with NGOs and through multilateral agencies such as the World Food Programme (WFP) and the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). It was part of a visit to East Africa, the primary focus of which was to engage with WFP in advance of a new Strategic Partnership Agreement. I started my visit in Kenya, where I announced a funding commitment of €105m to WFP from Ireland for 2025 to 2027, a 40% increase on the previous three-year period. The funding will be provided by my Department, which is the lead for Ireland’s engagement with the WFP and FAO. During my visit to Ethiopia, I announced that of that commitment, €30million is earmarked specifically for the Horn of Africa, a region of extreme need because of drought, conflict, and the ongoing impacts of climate change.In South Sudan, people are predominantly pastoralists and I saw farm projects in Warrap State where WFP are supporting projects to diversify agri-food systems, including helping people, particularly women, to grow vegetables all year round with the use of purpose-built ponds. Also, WFP and FAO are providing support to grow climate-resistant crops such as cassava, improving resilience and food security, and reducing the need for food assistance. I also visited Molboor cattle camp in Juba, where I spoke with the community of pastoralists. I also met with NGOs, UN representatives, and with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, strengthening the relations which began with South Sudan’s independence in 2011. While Ireland is of course open to trade with South Sudan, there were no specific trade talks during my visit there.
Question No. 1023 answered with Question No. 1022.
Question No. 1024 answered with Question No. 1022.