Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 317: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he and his colleagues at EU or UN level have addressed the issue of war, genocide and starvation in the various African countries which have been the subject of concern; the degree to which agreement can or has been reached and action taken or expected to be taken on foot of such discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25469/07]

Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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The main focus of Ireland's programme of development assistance is on Africa, particularly sub-Saharan Africa. Our objective is to help the poorest and most vulnerable people in developing countries, through assisting in bringing about positive and lasting changes in their lives.

There is undoubtedly a clear inter-relationship between poverty, food security and conflict. The reduction of poverty, hunger and conflict in Africa is one of the most important tasks of the international community in the 21st century. Conflict has many causes and many manifestations. However, it is nurtured, fed and strengthened by poverty, inequality and exclusion.

It is the case that most wars occur in poor countries and the causes and effects of conflict are exacerbated by poverty. Food security is undermined by the effects of conflict and instability. Furthermore, conflict and war impact on the most vulnerable in an affected society, particularly women and children.

Ireland responds to the problems of conflict and food security through several channels. We do so by delivering development support directly through our Embassies in a number of African countries, and indirectly using experienced and effective non-governmental organisations (NGOs), UN agencies and other international organisations such as the Red Cross. Our aim is to address the root causes of instability and hunger.

The launch of the Government's Hunger Task Force and the establishment in the Department of a Conflict Resolution Unit, are clear and practical manifestations of our resolve to do more in these areas, which directly affect the lives of millions throughout the developing world.

Through our membership of the European Union and the United Nations, Ireland is a strong advocate for the developing world and for international peace and security. African leadership is also crucial in this field, and the African Union is a partner of growing importance for us.

I warmly welcome the very recent adoption by the UN Security Council of Resolution 1778, which authorises the deployment of a multi-dimensional international presence in eastern Chad and north-eastern Central African Republic (CAR). This Resolution is a significant achievement of the international community and an example of good cooperation between the UN and the EU. Most importantly, it will be to the benefit of the 230,000 refugees from Darfur living in camps in Eastern Chad and the 180,000 people from Chad who are displaced by violence in the region. The forces are comprised of a UN mission, a Chadian police force trained by the UN, and a European Union military operation, part of which it is intended will be a contingent from the Irish Defence Forces, subject to the necessary Government and Dáil approval.

I believe that Ireland's comprehensive and inclusive approach to the challenges of poverty, conflict and food insecurity stands the best chance of facilitating real and positive change in the lives of millions of people living in Africa.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 323: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide an appraisal of the ongoing situation in Sudan; the extent to which the international community can assist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25475/07]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 330: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the ongoing situation in Darfur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25482/07]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 323 and 330 together.

The Government continues to be gravely concerned about the crisis in Darfur and its broader ramifications for Sudan as a whole and the region. We are pursuing all avenues to support international efforts to address the grave humanitarian, political and security challenges confronting Sudan.

Recent weeks have seen an upsurge in violence in Darfur in advance of the start of UN and African Union-mediated peace talks between the Government of Sudan and rebel factions in Sirte, Libya on 27 October. Ten members of the AU Mission in Sudan (AMIS) were killed, reportedly by rebel factions, in Haskanita, Southern Sudan at the end of September following which the town was subsequently burnt down by Government forces. Government forces, alongside militia groups, have also been implicated in a major attack on the town of Muhajiriya on 8 October. These incidents have resulted in many dozens of civilian deaths and significant displacement. The overall operating environment for UN agencies and NGOs is becoming steadily more difficult and has resulted, in some cases, in the withdrawal of humanitarian personnel.

The deteriorating humanitarian and security situation and the related urgent need for full, rapid and successful deployment of the joint UN-AU Mission, UNAMID, to succeed AMIS, were points which I emphasised when I met with the then Sudanese Foreign Minister, Lam Akol, in New York on 2 October. I particularly urged on the Foreign Minister the need for Sudan to cooperate fully with the UN and AU on deployment of UNAMID and to cease all offensive operations in Darfur. I also informed Foreign Minister Akol and UNSG Ban, with whom I separately discussed the situation in Sudan/Darfur, of the Government's decision in principle to contribute personnel to the planned ESDP mission in Chad and the Central African Republic which will assist the many thousands of people in these countries displaced by the Darfur crisis.

Ireland continues to make a strong contribution to international efforts to alleviate the human tragedy of Darfur. Since the start of 2006, Irish Aid has provided a total of approximately €32.5 million to support humanitarian operations and longer term development engagement in Sudan. The importance of ensuring humanitarian access and the necessity to consider possible further measures against those impeding such access, as well as the need for improved security, or political progress in Darfur were points which I also made when addressing the General Affairs and External Relations Council on 15 October and which were reflected at Ireland's request in the agreed Conclusions.

Ultimately, the resolution of the Darfur crisis requires a political settlement. I would urge all parties to the conflict to engage constructively in the forthcoming peace talks in Sirte and to be aware that the international community will not hesitate to take further measures against those who turn their face against, and refuse to participate in, this vital opportunity for peace. The UN and AU Envoys are to be commended for their efforts in organising the Sirte talks. I indicated when I met UNSG Ban and addressed the General Assembly on 2 October that Ireland intends to contribute to the Trust Fund which the SG has established in support of the current peace process.

The prospects for political progress in Darfur are not being assisted by the difficulties now besetting implementation of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the north and south in Sudan and which has led to the withdrawal from participation in the national unity government by the southern SPLM party. The CPA represents a template for promoting peace and development throughout Sudan and its full implementation remains crucial. Discussions are continuing between the SPLM and the NCP, the two coalition parties, to resolve the current impasse.

It remains my intention, subject to security considerations, to travel to Sudan and Darfur next month in order to review the situation on the ground and reiterate the priority Ireland attaches to advancing peace and development in this tragic region.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 324: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the ongoing situation in Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25476/07]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The reform process in Afghanistan is continuing. The goal of the international community, in cooperation with the Afghan government, remains to extend legitimate government, the rule of law and the benefits of government to all parts of Afghanistan though addressing issues such as infrastructure, counter narcotics programmes and training for the army and police forces. It is important that the international community maintains its commitment to the people of Afghanistan and supports the Afghan authorities' own development efforts. Though very much a long-term project, the economy appears to be improving somewhat.

The security situation remains a cause of serious concern. There is slow progress in reducing the Taliban-led insurgency and insurgents continue to impose high levels of casualties, particularly on the Afghan security forces. The International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) remains dependent on the ability of Afghan security forces — both the army and police — to maintain effective control of areas cleared by operations. It is therefore essential that the Afghan security forces are further developed to ensure the country's security. Counter-narcotics remains key to security in Afghanistan and it is one of the areas on which the international community is focused. Levels of drug production in some parts of Afghanistan remain very high.

Cross-border insurgency remains a problem. I hope that initiatives like the Pakistan-Afghanistan Peace Jirga, which took place in Kabul on 9-12 August 2007, are carried forward. Afghanistan and Pakistan have to work together if they are to address the security situation inside both their countries.

Security and stability cannot be achieved by military means alone. Long-term success depends on a comprehensive approach addressing governance and the delivery of humanitarian and reconstruction assistance. Ireland is playing its part in this through supporting strong EU engagement with Afghanistan, as well as bilaterally.

The European Union's ESDP mission on policing for Afghanistan was approved by the Council last February and was launched on 17 June 2007. It is designed to improve coordination in the international community's efforts to assist police reform and capacity building. Bilaterally, Ireland has contributed more than €31 million in humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan since 2000, covering areas such as reconstruction, drugs programmes, mine clearance, drought and flood relief, and criminal law and criminal justice support. Seven members of the Irish Defence Forces currently serve in non-combat roles with ISAF, based in Kabul.