Michael D'Arcy (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 149: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position with regard to the political and humanitarian situation in Liberia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18712/07]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Much has been achieved in Liberia in both the political and humanitarian spheres since the 2003 Comprehensive Peace Agreement brought an end to 14 years of civil war. In particular, since the inauguration of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf as Africa's first female President at the start of 2006, the Government has made significant progress in driving forward reforms and promoting economic recovery in very difficult circumstances.

The security situation remains fragile. Potentially destabilising factors include ex-combatants who have not benefited from the reintegration programme, individuals who feel their interests are threatened by the Government's reforms, and inter-ethnic land disputes in certain areas, particularly where returning refugees are reclaiming their property. Liberia also remains vulnerable to regional instability and could be affected negatively by any deterioration in the situation in Guinea, Cote d'Ivoire or Sierra Leone.

The United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), in which an Irish contingent served from its establishment in 2003 until May 2007, plays a crucial role in ensuring sufficient security and stability to allow the Government to implement difficult reforms. The security situation improved significantly over the last four years, but Liberia's reformed police and armed forces will not be able to assume full responsibility for security until 2008 at the earliest.

The trial of former Liberian President Charles Taylor for war crimes began in The Hague in June 2007 under the jurisdiction of the Special Court for Sierra Leone. In 2005-2006, Ireland provided €1.5 million to support the work of the court. Liberia's Truth and Reconciliation Commission is also working to help the country come to terms with its bloody past.

The current Government has achieved much greater control of Government revenues but life remains very hard for most ordinary Liberians. Unemployment is a particular concern and President Johnson-Sirleaf has made addressing it a top priority. Other areas of focus include reform of the main private sector industries — forestry, iron ore and diamond extraction. Corruption is a major threat to stability, and the establishment of an Anti-Corruption Commission last year was a positive step. Earlier this year, corruption charges were brought against the former Chairman of the Transitional Government, Charles Bryant, and several former Ministers and deputy Ministers. However, as the Liberian Government is well aware, more remains to be done, especially with regard to corruption in the public sector.

The key role played by the Defence Forces during their time with UNMIL in support of stability in Liberia has been matched by support from Irish Aid for the country's development. In April 2007, the Secretaries General of the Departments of Defence and Foreign Affairs paid a joint visit to Liberia, together with the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces. They met with President Johnson-Sirleaf, and assured her of Ireland's continuing commitment to supporting the Liberian people following the departure of the Irish contingent from UNMIL.

Since April 2005, the Irish Aid office in neighbouring Sierra Leone has managed a special recovery programme in Liberia. The programme focuses on increasing stability and delivering improved services, especially in the area of primary health care. Funding of €5 million was initially approved for recovery activities in Liberia this year, but in view of the continuing scale of humanitarian needs in the country, this has been increased to €8 million. This increase was announced at an international donor conference on Liberia which took place in Washington in February 2007. It was warmly welcomed by the Government of Liberia, which is seeking strengthened donor input to assist in rebuilding the country.

Ireland is continuing to explore ways in which we can provide meaningful and sustainable assistance to advance the democratic and peace processes in Liberia.