Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)

The appalling situation in the Horn of Africa highlights the importance of planning longer-term solutions to the problem of hunger in developing countries. This is exemplified by the effect of the crisis on Ethiopia and Somalia. Somalia, which has been wracked by conflict for two decades, is reeling from the ravages of the drought. Ethiopia, which has a stable Government and a strong relationship with the international community, is meeting the challenge head-on.

While there are undoubtedly enormous humanitarian needs in Ethiopia, mechanisms to deal with the crisis are being deployed against a backdrop of relative peace, stability and high levels of Government co-ordination. Ireland has played a role in building this resilience, as Ethiopia has been a priority country for Ireland's aid programme since 1994. A clear example is our support to the Productive Safety Net Programme, which provides the vulnerable with predictable cash or food transfers in return for work on projects such as land rehabilitation. This programme helps to protect the lives of more than 7 million people annually. This year, the Government has allocated more than €32 million to Ethiopia.

Kenya is not a priority country for Irish Aid but NGOs, missionaries and the UN system are working in longer-term development activities there and receive significant support from Ireland. Based on 2010 expenditure we expect to provide more than €7 million in assistance in 2011.

In addition, the Government has allocated more than €10 million in emergency support to the current crisis and has committed an additional €10 million before the end of 2012. Funding decisions are based on the ability of partner agencies to address the most urgent needs, such as emergency feeding programmes which target the most vulnerable. These allocations have also been informed by the recommendations of three field visits by Irish Aid officials to the region this year.

See this speech in context