Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 774: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the reports in North Korea where almost nine million people are suffering from food shortages; if any discussions have taken place at EU level in an effort to assist these people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39206/09]

Peter Power (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The widespread food shortages which continue to affect millions of the most vulnerable people in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) are a matter of serious concern. It is estimated that over one third of the population of the country is in need of food assistance. The situation is compounded by lack of access to safe drinking water, serious constraints in agricultural production and inadequate healthcare facilities. Urban households, particularly in the northeast of the country are among the worst affected.

In view of the gravity of the situation, the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), to which Ireland is the seventh largest donor, recently announced a second funding contribution to the DPRK for 2009. It brings the CERF response so far this year to more than €12 million. This includes support for immediate food assistance, and for crop production and healthcare interventions. During 2008, two members of the Irish Aid Rapid Response Corps were deployed to support the operations of the World Food Programme in the DPRK.

Discussions are taking place at EU level on the situation in DPRK. It is clear that a solution to the food shortages over the longer term is dependent not just on food aid from the international community, but also on addressing the underlying structural issues.