Michael D'Arcy (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 131: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he is taking to combat increased levels of starvation in Zimbabwe. [38480/08]

Peter Power (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I remain deeply concerned in relation to the food security situation in Zimbabwe. The lack of adequate levels of food is attributable to poor harvests and poor agricultural policies. Enormous damage has also been inflicted on the Zimbabwean economy by the policies of the Government there. Zimbabwe is witnessing hyper-inflation, high unemployment and a rapidly depreciating currency. The suffering of the population is compounded by the high HIV/AIDS prevalence rate, which has contributed to increasing levels of vulnerability.

In 2008 Zimbabwe is experiencing another poor main cereal harvest due to a combination of adverse weather conditions, a lack of key agricultural inputs (fertiliser and tractors) and crumbling irrigation systems.

More than 3 million people are already in need of assistance and this number could rise to as many as 5 million. This would represent over 40% of the population. The World Food Programme (WFP) resumed operations in September (following a Government suspension of activity), targeting about 3.25 million vulnerable people in 40 districts during the peak of the hunger period, which stretches from November to February.

Ireland has provided more than €25 million in aid to Zimbabwe since 2006. Irish Aid funding is targeted towards alleviating poverty experienced by the poorest and most vulnerable Zimbabweans. Our aid is disbursed through UN and non-governmental organisations and in 2008 support has been given to the World Food Programme, the Food and Agriculture Organisation as well to as to Irish NGOs for food assistance programmes. No assistance is channelled through the Zimbabwean Government.

In addition to our bilateral aid, support has been provided through the European Union humanitarian funding mechanism, as well as from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund to which Ireland is the sixth largest contributor. We have also sent a member of the Rapid Response Corps to work with UNICEF in Zimbabwe for a five month deployment.