Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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21. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the European Union, the United Nations, and the international community in general, have effectively responded to the disaster in Nepal; the extent to which the European authorities have engaged with the authorities in Nepal, in the context of the co-ordination of the delivery of aid, and meeting the requirements of the homeless and displaced; the extent to which the international community continues to benefit from past experience, in the context of such missions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19284/15]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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The purpose of the question is to ascertain the extent to which the international community has satisfactorily and successfully responded to the disaster in Nepal and whether co-operation and co-ordination between various bodies, including the United Nations and European Union, have been adequate.

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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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.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Minister for his comprehensive reply. Is the international community satisfied that the deployment of aid has been sufficiently rapid and has reached those for whom it was intended, having regard to the urgent need to respond quickly?

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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I assure Deputy Durkan that the Government of Nepal is leading the response efforts and has declared a state of emergency across the affected districts. The United Nations resident and humanitarian co-ordinator for Nepal is co-ordinating international assistance on the ground in support of the country's Government. While it has been reported that much aid has not yet been delivered, I understand the position has improved significantly in recent days.

Deputy Durkan will be interested to learn that Ireland is increasing its funding for humanitarian assistance to families who were displaced by the recent earthquakes. The Government announced additional funding of €500,000 today, bringing Ireland's total contribution to €1.5 million. This increase in funding has been provided in response to the mounting humanitarian need that has become apparent as a result of ongoing assessments by Irish Aid partners on the ground.

I assure the Deputy that the Department, in conjunction with Irish non-governmental organisations, will continue to closely monitor the position and I will be pleased to keep the House informed of developments in the region.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Minister again for his comprehensive rely. To what extent has an evaluation been done of logistics on the ground, with particular reference to the deployment of aid? For example, has transport become a problem and to what extent has the international community been able to replace conventional transport systems with other modes of transport such as helicopters?

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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As Deputy Durkan will be aware, this is a challenging and difficult issue. The terrain is extremely difficult, damage is widespread and the priority is to ensure power, water and transport are available. The United Nations has issued an appeal for $423 million in support of the efforts of the Government of Nepal to address the most critical needs of shelter, sanitation and water, emergency health, food and protection. While the circumstances are, therefore, most difficult and challenging, every effort is being made by the international community to ensure the best possible response in the most tragic of circumstances.