Peter Power (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy is referring to the extra-judicial killings of six Jesuit priests, their housekeeper and her daughter on 16 November 1989 in the Jesuit residence at the University of Central America in San Salvador. A 1991 report by the UN-sponsored truth commission concluded that this massacre had been perpetrated by members of the Salvadoran military.

These brutal killings were among 75,000 others that occurred during El Salvador's civil war in the 1980s and the early 1990s. The wave of international outrage and condemnation that followed the deaths of these innocent Jesuits, their housekeeper and her daughter was instrumental in bringing an end to the war through the UN-brokered peace agreement.

On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of these deaths, it is fitting that we remember these and all of the victims of the civil war in El Salvador. We acknowledge the great progress made there since those dark days.

Today the people of El Salvador are facing the tragic consequences of a natural disaster. Hurricane Ida, accompanied by torrential rainfall, has had a devastating impact on vulnerable communities in at least five Salvadoran departments. The exceptionally heavy rains caused floods and landslides, with at least 144 reported deaths, and many thousands displaced. I sympathise sincerely with those who have been affected by this disaster and in particular those who have lost loved ones.

On 8 November, the Government of El Salvador declared a state of national emergency. The Salvadorian authorities, supported by local and international humanitarian agencies, are now providing emergency assistance to those affected by the floods and landslides. This includes temporary shelter, food, water, first aid materials, blankets and clothing.

Drawing on pre-positioned support from Ireland and other humanitarian donors, the International Federation of the Red Cross was immediately able to respond to the crisis with an emergency contribution of over €120,000. This contribution has been used by the Salvadoran Red Cross to distribute essential relief items, such as blankets, kitchen sets and hygiene kits.

Ireland is currently the third largest donor to the disaster relief emergency fund of the International Federation of the Red Cross. This fund ensures that emergency resources can be rapidly and efficiently disbursed to where they are most needed when disaster strikes. The rapid response of the Red Cross in El Salvador demonstrates once again the value and effectiveness of pre-positioned funding.

I will continue to keep the situation in El Salvador under review. Following detailed needs assessment missions over recent days, a UN-co-ordinated humanitarian appeal will be launched today in New York. On receipt and consideration of this and any other appeals, I will determine whether additional emergency funding by Irish Aid would be appropriate.

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