Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 308: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on Zimbabwe which appears to be on the brink of collapse both economic and humanitarian; the efforts he and the EU are taking to avert this major crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43490/08]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I remain deeply concerned about the situation in Zimbabwe. Over the last number of years, but especially in recent months, ordinary Zimbabweans have suffered from state violence, economic chaos and the collapse of basic social services such as health and education. Now, as a result of drought, the disruption caused by violence, and a lack of basic inputs such as seeds and fertilisers which farmers can no longer afford, many Zimbabweans are facing a season of hunger. The United Nations believes that the number of people who depend on food aid will reach 5 million in January 2009. The European Commission has allocated an additional €10 million in relief assistance for people affected by the humanitarian crisis in Zimbabwe, while Irish aid to the affected people for the period 2006 to 2008 (to date) amounts to approximately €25 million. At present, there is a serious outbreak of cholera in the country. Substantial political change is urgently needed to bring Zimbabwe back onto a path to stability, peace and economic growth. Despite the appalling violence against Movement for Democratic Change supporters since the relatively free elections of March 2008, Morgan Tsvangirai has expressed his willingness to work with Zanu-PF in a unity government. However, the MDC can only represent the Zimbabwean people's interests effectively in government if Zanu-PF honours its commitments under the 15 September power-sharing agreement. The fact that Zanu-PF is not prepared to allow the MDC to take on the two Ministries — Finance and Home Affairs — which are most crucial for reform is a clear demonstration of bad faith on the part of Robert Mugabe.

I am frankly disappointed at the outcome of the Southern African Development Community summit in Pretoria on 9 November, when regional leaders did not press Mugabe to do what it takes to make a unity government workable. Talks resumed in South Africa on 26 November. I believe that some progress has been made on the constitutional changes necessary to implement the power-sharing agreement. However, constitutional change will not be sufficient to allow a unity government to tackle Zimbabwe's problems if political will is still lacking. The Government has engaged at EU level in the discussion of the current crisis in Zimbabwe and actively contributed to the preparation of the conclusions adopted by the General Affairs and External Relations Council in October. After that meeting, EU Foreign Ministers stated that the EU stands ready to support a transitional government which is taking steps to restore democracy and the rule of law in Zimbabwe. That commitment still stands. The situation in Zimbabwe was discussed at the General Affairs and External Relations Council of 10 November, and I expect that EU Foreign Ministers will wish to comment again on the situation in December.

Ireland has conveyed its concerns directly to our partner countries in Africa. We have encouraged the countries of the southern Africa region and organisations such as SADC and the African Union to continue to press the two sides to come to a workable agreement and to respect the democratic verdict of the Zimbabwean people. Most recently, last month I instructed our ambassadors in SADC countries once again to convey our concerns to the authorities in our partner countries in southern Africa, in advance of the 9 November SADC Summit. The Irish Ambassador to Zimbabwe, who is based in Pretoria, has had contact with Zimbabwean Ambassador there, and the Zimbabwean authorities can be in no doubt about our strong views. My Department has also ensured that African embassies based in Dublin are aware of our position.