Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 249: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action he is taking in relation to the plight of those affected by the recent disaster in Indonesia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21713/06]

Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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An earthquake, measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale, struck one of Indonesia's largest cities, Yogyakarta, on the island of Java in the early morning of Saturday, 27 May 2006. Casualty figures are estimated to be in excess of 6,000 deaths, with over 20,000 injured and 200,000 left homeless. Immediate needs have been identified for emergency shelter materials, medical assistance, clean water, sanitation and food.

As Minister with responsibility for Ireland's programme of development co-operation, I have been closely following the situation since the earthquake. Ireland was one of the first donors to respond to this disaster. Within hours of the earthquake I pledged €500,000 towards the relief effort. The European Commission has to date allocated €3 million.

The emergency response is being led and co-ordinated by the Government of Indonesia through the provincial Governments of Yogyakarta and Central Java. This national response is being supported by UN Agencies, the Red Cross family and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). The UN issued an Emergency Response Plan on Friday, 2 June, which outlines immediate needs and requirements. Ireland's funding has been disbursed to the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) which is co-ordinating the response on the provision of emergency shelter. The IFRC, through the Indonesian Red Cross Society, is also providing assistance in the health service, water and sanitation and food sectors.