Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 38: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the humanitarian position in Zimbabwe; the efforts, following on from previous questions on this matter, he has made in order to keep the discord in this country high on the international agenda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15375/09]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The political situation in Zimbabwe remains fragile, despite the formation of a power-sharing government in February involving President Robert Mugabe's Zanu-PF and the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC). This new Government faces enormous challenges in delivering real progress for the people of Zimbabwe, including securing political freedoms, a return to the rule of law and economic development. While some progress has been made, the continuation of land seizures is not a hopeful sign. The retention of Gideon Gono as Governor of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe seems to undermine the Government's commitment to economic stabilisation and reform.

While there has been a slight improvement in the humanitarian situation in Zimbabwe since early 2009, I remain deeply concerned by the plight of Zimbabwe's people. Although the rate of infection has slowed, the cholera epidemic which began in Zimbabwe last year continues to be a major problem, and the World Health Organisation reports that 92% of districts are still affected. The death toll exceeded 4,000 by the end of March, with the number infected approaching 100,000. Water provision and hygiene promotion remain key problems. In addition, more than half of Zimbabwe's population has depended on food aid for survival over the past number of months.

Ireland has been working hard with its EU partners to keep the issue of Zimbabwe high on the international agenda. We have repeatedly stated our willingness to re-engage with a Zimbabwean government which returns to respect for human rights, the rule of law and sound economic management. International donors, including Ireland, have agreed to work with the transitional government to achieve specific goals set out in the power-sharing agreement, including the restoration of the rule of law, economic stabilisation and full access to humanitarian assistance. We intend that progress in our relationship with Zimbabwe will be dependent on concrete achievements in these areas, and the demonstration by the new government of a commitment to real reform.

Ireland has worked with its partners in the EU and with other partners to develop a consistent international approach which seeks to ensure that the needs of the Zimbabwean people are given priority by the international community. Our position is very well known and we will continue to raise our concerns in appropriate bilateral and multilateral fora.

Ireland does not provide funding to the Zimbabwean government, but supports vulnerable people in Zimbabwe through multilateral and non-governmental organisations. Thus far in 2009, Ireland has committed funding of over €5 million to a range of humanitarian programmes in Zimbabwe, focused on food security, tackling HIV and AIDS and supporting civil society organisations providing essential services for the population.