Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The earthquakes in Nepal on 25 April and 12 May had horrific humanitarian consequences for the region. Irish Aid, working with Irish non-governmental organisations, NGOs, is fully committed to making a contribution to the response and we are working closely with the European Union and United Nations. The European Commission allocated €22.6 million in assistance to the Government of Nepal to help address urgent needs and the United Nations has appealed for $423 million to address critical needs in the coming three months. As of 13 May, $58 million has been contributed by the international community.

Thus far, the Government has announced the provision of €1.5 million in Irish Aid support for the humanitarian response in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake. In responding, Irish Aid has focused on the provision of life-saving assistance, including shelter, water and hygiene supplies for displaced persons. Our funding has been channelled through our NGO partners. We are also providing more than 100 tonnes of emergency supplies through the rapid response initiative. They include tents, blankets, tarpaulins, water and sanitation equipment, all of which are most urgently needed at this stage in the crisis. To date, more than 63 tonnes of supplies have arrived and are being distributed across the region.

Based on lessons learned from previous crises, the United Nations has put in place clear systems to ensure the most effective, efficient and rapid delivery of aid possible. The difficult terrain, a second major earthquake last week and the capacity of local infrastructure present significant challenges for the relief effort. My officials will continue to liaise with partners on this tragic humanitarian issue and review what further assistance Ireland can provide.

In terms of our consular response, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade opened its emergency response centre on Saturday, 25 April. An experienced consular team maintained contact with families and provided practical assistance and support to citizens in the affected areas of Nepal. The Department quickly accounted for the safety of all Irish citizens known to be living or working in the affected areas. Co-operation with the European Union and international partners formed a key part of our crisis response. The Department is continuing to provide assistance to Irish citizens in Nepal and is keeping its travel advice under review.

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