Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 289: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number and names of the Irish non-governmental organisations operating in Burma; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20710/08]

Peter Power (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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Irish Aid supports human rights and democratisation in Burma through its Multi-Annual Programme Scheme and Civil Society Fund. For 2008, Irish Aid allocated Trócaire funding of €1.1 million in support of its programme to strengthen civil society in Burma and in support of Burmese refugees in Thailand. Irish Aid is also supporting Trócaire in response to the recent cyclone.

Voluntary Service Overseas has been allocated funding of €290,000 for a three year programme promoting democratisation, human rights and reconciliation among five ethnic groups on the Burma/Thailand border. Irish Aid has also provided funding of €68,000 this year for Burma Action Ireland to assist their work in raising awareness of human rights violations in Burma, and in support of civil society organisations and communities within Burma and the Burmese community in exile.

In 2008, the Irish Missionary Resource Service (IMRS) has provided support totalling €132,135 to its member organisations operational in Burma; Missionary Sisters of St Columban, Columban Fathers and Good Shepherd Sisters. An additional €30,000 in emergency funding has also been provided by the IMRS to the Columban Fathers and the Good Shepherd Sisters to support their work in responding to the current Burma emergency.