John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 114: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the reported human rights abuses by Ethiopian government troops; the concerns he has regarding the channelling of Irish Aid funds to Ethiopia through local government structures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24252/08]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The situation in the ethnic Somali Ogaden region of Ethiopia has deteriorated sharply in the last six months. The conflict between the Government and the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) is causing serious hardship for the mainly pastoralist and nomadic people of the region, whose livelihoods have been disrupted. Some NGOs have complained of serious restrictions on humanitarian access to this drought-affected region.

While the Government of Ethiopia has an overriding responsibility, as well as a moral obligation, to restore order in this troubled region, it should do all it can to minimise the impact of the conflict on ordinary people, and to ensure full respect for human rights and international humanitarian law. On several occasions, Irish officials have conveyed to the Ethiopian side Ireland's very deep concern about the reports we have received in relation to the Ogaden region. We will continue to highlight these concerns until the situation is resolved. Ireland has also taken the lead in pressing for the EU to engage with Ethiopia in relation to this situation, given the EU's importance as a partner for Ethiopia, and our shared commitment to the well-being and development of the Ethiopian people.

As regards Ireland's assistance to Ethiopia, I believe that Irish Aid funding makes a real and tangible difference to the lives of the poorest and most vulnerable people there. Where assistance is channelled through sectoral ministries and regional authorities, it is ring-fenced for spending on basic needs programmes such as the building of schools, the training of health workers and teacher training. These programmes have a direct and positive effect on the lives of thousands of poor Ethiopians, and are helping to build a basis for real and lasting change in their lives. The programmes are also carefully monitored by our Embassy staff on the ground, and are externally evaluated from time to time. For all these reasons, despite my concerns with regard to the situation in Ethiopia, I believe it is right to remain engaged there.