Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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Question 412: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the post-conflict humanitarian situation in Sri Lanka in which thousands of innocent civilians remain trapped in the battle zone with the International Committee of the Red Cross humanitarian workers refused entry to assist them; if he will call on the international community to prepare a package of measures to help Sri Lanka to deal with this crisis; if he will urge the international community to prevail on the Sri Lankan Government to permit access of food, medicine and medical personnel into the internment camps; if he will support EU calls for an independent inquiry into alleged war crimes; if he will press for a mediated just and lasting political solution involving both Sinhalese and Tamil communities in Sri Lanka; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22224/09]

Peter Power (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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Although the conflict in Sri Lanka has ended, significant humanitarian needs and challenges remain. Almost 300,000 people are now in camps for the displaced, many in very difficult circumstances. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has stated that, in principle, it now has access to all such camps. However, despite the best efforts of the ICRC and other humanitarian organisations, working together with the Sri Lankan Government, urgent needs remain to be addressed, especially in the sectors of shelter, water and sanitation, and food. It is essential that the ICRC, UN agencies and other international humanitarian organisations continue to have unhindered access to all areas where there are displaced people.

In response to the humanitarian crisis, the Government has so far provided over €300,000 in funding to Non-governmental Organisations for emergency relief activities, such as medical and nutrition support, the provision of shelter, and distribution of food and non-food items. In addition, a member of Irish Aid's Rapid Response Corps has been deployed to Sri Lanka to assist in the emergency response effort of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).

It is clear that enormous suffering was inflicted on the civilian population in the course of the conflict. EU Foreign Ministers discussed the situation in Sri Lanka at the General Affairs and External Relations Council on 18 May. They reiterated the need for all parties to fully respect their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law and called for the alleged violations of these laws to be investigated through an independent inquiry. This call was repeated by the EU Presidency at a Special Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on 26 and 27 May at which Ireland also called for an independent inquiry. I would see any inquiry as one element in the overall response of the international community to the post-conflict rehabilitation and reconstruction of Sri Lanka. It should be coupled with increased humanitarian relief efforts and by a longer-term focus on reconstruction, economic and social development, and the restoration of basic services.

An inclusive reconciliation and peace process must be initiated, based on the principles of parity of esteem, consent, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights. I welcome President Rajapakse's stated intention to pursue a negotiated settlement with the Tamil community and very much hope that this can begin at an early date. It will be essential that arrangements and mechanisms are in place to ensure the representation of the Tamil population. As I have stated previously, should the relevant parties seek our advice in relation to the peace process, we would be happy to consider any such request.