Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 342: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans to assist aid agencies and native civil society organisations in Zimbabwe in view of the recent currency crash. [31923/05]

Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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The political, economic and humanitarian situation in Zimbabwe continues to deteriorate. The economy has contracted by approximately 40% in recent years and devaluation of the currency is a function of this economic crisis. Continuous devaluation fuels inflation and puts basic necessities further out of the reach of the poor. Poverty and vulnerability are worsening and the current political climate is extremely difficult for donors and aid agencies. Zimbabwe has now slipped from 117th on the United Nations human development index, HDI, to 145th in 2005.

Ireland continues to assist many of the poorest and most vulnerable communities in Zimbabwe. Our support is delivered through UN agencies and NGOs with a proven track record of meeting the needs of the poorest. We have, for instance, been supporting the World Food Programme, WFP, Concern, Goal, Trócaire, missionary and local groups and other agencies.

Zimbabwe was once the breadbasket of southern Africa but hunger is now a daily experience for millions of Zimbabweans. The Government is funding the provision of food assistance and focusing on school feeding programmes. A sum of €900,000 has been provided in 2005 for this purpose and additional funding is under active consideration. During the recent visit of Mr. James Morris, executive director of the WFP to Ireland, I discussed with him the food security situation in Zimbabwe and how best to address the food deficits in a very difficult operating environment.

Zimbabwe is also one of the countries most affected by HIV-AIDS, with an estimated 25% of the population infected. Life expectancy has fallen below 40 years. This year Ireland has committed €1 million to mitigate the impact of the pandemic, through partnerships with aid agencies and civil society organisations. Since 2004, Ireland has committed approximately €7 million in aid to Zimbabwe. Despite the difficult operating environment, we will continue to deliver assistance directly to those most in need through a broad range of civil and aid organisations.