Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the presentation and compliment everybody involved in Irish Aid in terms of Ireland's quick response to assist in this disaster area. What amount of funding has been provided to date by the EU? Do the countries that have traditionally provided overseas development aid through tied aid change their system of support when a humanitarian disaster occurs? With regard to the unconfirmed estimates of death - while we would prefer if no deaths had occurred, I welcome that the number in this regard has decreased - am I correct that owing to communications difficulties there is a lack of intelligence or knowledge on the implications of the typhoon on various parts of the country? Are the witnesses aware of the basis for the figures provided?

Like Deputy Neville, I, too, would like to know the level of support provided by the Irish people through the non-governmental organisations, which funding is as important as the State's contribution, which I welcome. I hope that the Tánaiste and ODA will be in a position to quickly provide more assistance. I read recently that some of the Irish NGOs, including Trócaire, are working with sister organisations in the Philippines. We wish all the organisations involved well with their work and support for these beleaguered people.