John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 446: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that funding for the UNFPA is assisting China's one child policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34592/04]

Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am aware of the allegations that funding for the United Nations population fund, UNFPA, is assisting China's one-child policy. However, UNFPA has categorically denied that it either supports the Chinese Government's one-child policy or that it takes part in managing the government's programme. A number of independent investigations have taken place into these allegations against UNFPA. All of these investigations have confirmed that UNFPA does not support China's one-child policy and is making an important contribution to encouraging the Chinese authorities away from coercive family planning measures.

My officials will continue to monitor closely the activities of the UNFPA, including allegations relating to UNFPA's programme in China, through bilateral contact at headquarter and field level and through attendance at all of the executive board meetings of the organisation. We served a three-year term on the executive board of UNFPA from 1998 to 2000 and were closely involved in discussions on UNFPA's policies and programmes. We were impressed by the quality of UNFPA's development activities, the commitment of its staff and the support it provides to some of the world's poorest countries. In recent years members of the Government have met with Ms. Thoraya Obaid, the executive director of the fund, on a number of occasions to discuss our contribution and the fund's activities.

We have also recently completed an intensive round of bilateral consultations with the fund during which we again raised the above allegations. On the basis of our assessment of its operations, we have decided to enter into a new round of multi-annual funding commitments with the agency.

I am satisfied that UNFPA is playing an important role in supporting the efforts of developing countries to improve maternal health and welfare and to fight HIV-AIDS. Ireland's funding of UNFPA is, therefore, fully warranted and helps the organisation provide much needed assistance to people living in extreme poverty.

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 447: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will use all his power to bring back the children of a person (details supplied) and to give this person the maximum support and guidance. [1054/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

My Department is aware of this case and is in contact with the representatives of the person to whom the Deputy refers. The Department will assist in any way possible in facilitating the return of the children to Ireland.