Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 119: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the aid he has given to deal with the recent earthquake in China; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23648/08]

Peter Power (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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On 12 May 2008, a major earthquake measuring 8.0 on the Richter scale struck Wenchuan County in the Sichuan Province in China. According to official statistics there have been approximately 69,000 deaths, over 366,000 injured and more than 18,000 still missing. A total of 45 million people were affected, including 15 million people evacuated from their homes. Five million people are still in temporary shelters.

Ireland pledged €1 million in an immediate response to the disaster in China. This was channelled through the International Federation of the Red Cross. The International Federation has established water and sanitation emergency response units in affected areas, while over 35,000 staff and volunteers from the Red Cross Society of China have provided assistance to those in the affected areas, mobilising medical teams, psychosocial support teams and relief vehicles. Overall, the Chinese authorities responded effectively and efficiently to the disaster, thus saving many more lives which could have been lost.

Irish Aid also organised a special airlift of 6000 blankets and 180 tents, which arrived in China on 24 May. These items were identified as priority requirements by the Chinese Government.

The Central Emergency Response Fund of the UN allocated US$8 million to relief efforts following the earthquake. Once again, this Fund has proven its value in providing international donor funds rapidly and efficiently to those in need. Ireland was one of the driving forces behind the establishment of this Fund in 2006 and has contributed a total of €52.6 million since its inception.