Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 394: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the inclusion of Zimbabwe in the Irish aid bilateral aid programme; and the aid which is going to non-governmental organisations in Zimbabwe. [10617/06]

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

The political, economic and humanitarian situation within Zimbabwe continues to deteriorate. Over the last five years, Zimbabwe has slipped over 25 places down the human development index, HDI. This is the UN index that measures the human and material well-being of a country and its people across a wide range of indicators. This slippage mirrors the descent of a once moderately prosperous country to a situation today where hunger is a daily experience for millions of Zimbabweans. Life expectancy today is under 40 years in Zimbabwe. In the first half of the 1970s, it was 55 years.

Ireland's assistance to Zimbabwe is delivered through partnerships with the humanitarian agencies of the United Nations, particularly the World Food Programme and NGOs such as Christian Aid, Concern, Goal, Trócaire and missionary organisations. We also work with local groups and organisations, particularly those with a focus on HIV and Aids. Our programme has one clear objective, to deliver aid effectively to the most needy and vulnerable people throughout Zimbabwe. Since 2004, Ireland has committed approximately €12 million in aid to Zimbabwe, including more than €2 million this year to address emergency needs. The largest proportion of this funding is for immediate humanitarian needs, particularly the provision of food assistance. My Department is in regular contact with NGOs operational in Zimbabwe and with the WFP. As recently as 16 March, my officials met with the head of the World Food Programme in Zimbabwe, Mr. Kevin Farrell, an Irish national, to discuss the ongoing food security situation in Zimbabwe and the best way that Ireland can assist.

It is difficult to envisage the situation in Zimbabwe improving in the near future. The policy and political failures which have led inevitably to the ongoing food crisis and the deterioration in the basic well-being of the people of Zimbabwe show no signs of being reversed. In this context, Ireland must concentrate its efforts on working with the poorest people and with the organisations and agencies best equipped to deliver our aid.