Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I am pleased to have an opportunity to speak on the earthquakes on this sad day. I wish to begin by expressing my sympathy to the people of Pakistan, Kashmir and Guatemala. These earthquakes and mudslides were a nightmare experience for many of these people. It is important to indicate our cross-party sympathy, solidarity and support for the people concerned. I am pleased that the Minister of State, Deputy Lenihan, is present for the debate because it is important to get out there and assist the people concerned.

It is time in this debate for support, solidarity, compassion and action to help the people involved. I urge the world, through the United Nations and the EU, including Asia and South America, to unite over the next 24 hours to aid the countries in question. We are talking about people on the front line, not nationalities. The earthquake in Pakistan is estimated to have killed 50,000 people with 23,000 bodies recovered so far. Approximately 2.5 million need shelter. A total of 11,000 died in Muzaffarabad, Kashmir, which was the worst hit city. The earthquake measured 7.6 on the Richter scale and there were 22 aftershocks. It is essential there is no hesitation in coming to the aid of people in the region. The saddest incident reported following this disaster involved 250 girls who were crushed to death in the rubble of their primary school. I worked as a teacher for 20 years and this is a nightmare for the families and the teachers affected. The earthquake triggered landslides and flattened apartment buildings, killing 2,000 people in one incident. Buildings shook and walls swayed for almost a minute in the capitals of Afghanistan, Indian and Pakistan and panicked people ran from their homes and offices.

There was one positive incident during the earthquake as Indian soldiers left their position to assist their Pakistani counterparts. It is sad they are in bunkers pointing guns at each other. Many countries must come out of their bunkers. I express my support for and solidarity with Fr. Alec Reid, who instigated the peace process in Northern Ireland. He successfully urged people to come out of their bunkers. I support him, particularly as many people have attacked him in the past 12 hours. Reference to bunkers and respecting different nationalities is relevant in Ireland.

The role of the UN and rich developed countries is important. I am always amazed how powers such as the US and Britain invade countries in a matter of hours, erect tents and set up field hospitals, yet when a catastrophe occurs, a bureaucratic problem delays the provision of aid. Why when people are starving in the world, does the international community not come to their aid?

In Guatemala 1,400 Mayan Indians were killed in a horrific landslide triggered by Hurricane Stan. It was absolutely appalling and I urge western powers to provide assistance.

The Government has received much criticism for not meeting its target of 0.7% of GNP for the overseas development aid budget. I am a critic but I challenge the media to devote 0.7% of their coverage to development issues in order that people understand the true picture.

I commend members of the public for their magnificent donations to voluntary organisations in the past 12 months. Trócaire received €56 million in 2004, an increase of €30 million on the previous financial year. Much of the money was donated following the Asia tsunami appeal, which generated €26.5 million. The public wants to help and I call on the Minister of State and the Government to back the public and end the war on poverty.

On behalf of Independent Members, I offer my sympathy and support to the people of Pakistan, Kashmir and Guatemala.

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