Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 112: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position in Costa Rica following the recent earthquake there; the assistance offered following this tragedy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1952/09]

Peter Power (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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On 8 January 2009, an earthquake measuring 6.1 on the Richter Scale hit Costa Rica, with the epicentre 30km from the capital, San José. According to the National Emergency Commission, the earthquake claimed the lives of at least 15 people, with more still missing. Approximately 3,700 people were accommodated in temporary shelters. The earthquake also caused damage to infrastructure, affecting highways, bridges and housing, as well as energy production and distribution facilities. The emergency response to the earthquake has been effectively managed by the National Emergency Commission of Costa Rica, which activated local committees to coordinate relief efforts.

The International Federation of the Red Cross has provided support of over €36,000 to the Costa Rican Red Cross from its Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF). Ireland is the fourth largest donor to the DREF, a pool of un-earmarked funding available for immediate support to Red Cross / Red Crescent Societies in response to unforeseen emergencies. Pre-positioning funding in this manner is an effective means of ensuring that support can be channelled rapidly and effectively to those most in need following disasters such as the Costa Rica earthquake.