Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 172: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the present position in Bolivia following recent floods in that country; the help Ireland has provided in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10497/07]

Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Since November 2006, extreme climatic events resulting from the El Niño Phenomenon have been affecting Bolivia. Floods and landslides as well as drought, hail and freezing temperatures have caused loss of lives, injury and displacements, as well as damage to housing, infrastructure and agriculture. The most recent information available indicates that 34 people lost their lives, approximately 67,000 families have been affected and 25,000 people have been displaced. The most vulnerable communities have lost their livelihoods and income.

The Government of Bolivia declared a National Emergency on 18 January 2007. The Government of Bolivia, through its Civil Defence, is leading the emergency response at national, departmental and municipal level in co-ordination with United Nations agencies, the International Federation of the Red Cross and Non-Governmental Organisations.

Ireland has, since the onset of the flooding, been in close contact with the United Nations Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) in relation to this disaster. On 6 March, US$2 million was allocated from their Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to enable a rapid response to the most urgent needs faced by the affected population. As the Deputy will be aware, this year Ireland doubled its contribution to that Fund by providing €20 million, making Ireland the fifth largest donor to the Fund. The CERF was established to provide timely, reliable and accountable humanitarian assistance to those affected by natural and man-made disasters. The real value of this global fund and Ireland's contribution to it is well demonstrated in crisis situations such as that currently being experienced in Bolivia.

I can assure the Deputy that Irish Aid will continue to keep in touch with the situation on the ground and will respond flexibly, should the situation deteriorate.