Seanad debates

Wednesday, 19 December 2018

10:30 am

Photo of Ned O'SullivanNed O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State. I also welcome the motion, which Fianna Fáil was happy to sign. I compliment Senator Higgins on taking the initiative to table the motion. It has given the Seanad an opportunity to raise its voice in respect of this significant humanitarian tragedy. Perhaps we might be able to lead by example and encourage others to be of practical assistance in that troubled land.

I welcome the fact that the joint motion is not a political document. I do not know much about the history of Yemen but I read as much as I could in recent days. It is a country that has been bedevilled by factions and warfare over centuries. It would be impossible to establish exactly who is right and who is wrong at any particular point, including now. I am glad that we are concentrating on the humanitarian aspect of the crisis.

It is without doubt that Yemen has experienced the worst humanitarian crisis in the world in recent years. The UN reported that 17.8 million people are suffering from food insecurity, including 8.4 million who are categorised as "severely food insecure". The unfortunate people of Yemen are experiencing the worst cholera crisis in modern history. All of this could be avoided. The famine in Yemen is not a natural occurrence, it is man-made. That is the biggest tragedy of all. It is the result of the behaviour of human beings who are behaving irrationally and who are not thinking about the consequences of their actions.

I welcome what we in Ireland are doing to help alleviate the suffering in Yemen. We have provided €16.5 million in humanitarian assistance since 2015. In 2018, €4 million was contributed to the UN’s Yemen fund. It is obviously a drop in the ocean but, for a small nation, it is a reasonable response. I also welcome the fact that the EU as a whole contributed €438 million to alleviating the crisis.

Fianna Fáil supports the efforts of the UN special envoy Mr. Martin Griffiths. He has succeeded in bringing all sides of the conflict to the negotiating table in Sweden. At least there has been a moment of calm in recent days, even though there was an outbreak of violence almost immediately after the agreement was signed. Hopefully, this calm will continue especially at such a holy and peaceful time.

I agree with Senator O’Reilly about the sale of arms. At a time like this, it is absolutely criminal. All international problems are further worsened by interests from outside. Unfortunately, the large global warfare industry spreads its tentacles everywhere. We in Ireland know all about famine. We were fortunate we got some outside help in the black days of 1848. We did not get a whole lot but whatever we got was greatly appreciated. We need to reciprocate.

As well as the ceasefire, there needs to be economic reform in Yemen in order to address, among other matters, the cost of food and the payments of salaries to tens of thousands of public servants. In addition, every effort must be made to ensure the unhindered flow of humanitarian aid. Fianna Fáil calls on the Government, the EU and the international community to do all they can to assist the people of Yemen. They must ensure that ending the conflict in Yemen remains a high priority until such time as it is satisfactorily resolved.

I commend Senator Higgins on tabling this motion. This is a good day for the Seanad.

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