Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)

As the Deputy is aware, the response is primarily being co-ordinated by the United Nations. The rapid response corps is on standby and our supplies are available for provision through Malaysia. These efforts are being co-ordinated by the United Nations and supplies will be provided directly to the Japanese Red Cross. There have been ongoing discussions at EU level and particularly with the assistance of the embassy in Tokyo. As the Deputy is aware, the ambassador travelled to the north-east region of Japan. We are ready to provide whatever aid is requested, although there have been no further requests for aid either through the European Union or the United Nations.

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