Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 133: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on recent sectarian killings in Nigeria; the way he assesses the stability of that country and the security of its citizens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7165/10]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I have been very concerned by the most recent violence in and around Jos in Plateau State, Nigeria, which saw hundreds killed and thousands displaced from 17-21 January. It follows on from violence in November 2008 and earlier, and is a result of ongoing tensions, which the government has been attempting to settle. Since the violence in 2008 inter-religious dialogue has been pursued and an assessment of the crisis was produced by Nigeria's House of Representatives. In addition, a military presence was maintained in the town, and a limited curfew enforced. Although the violence has been predominantly between Christians and Muslims, the root causes are not sectarian, but rather political with deep rooted and complicated ethnic and land issues involved. The State and Federal governments need to address the root causes in order to prevent a recurrence.

In relation to the stability of the country, President Umaru Yar'Adua of Nigeria has been receiving medical treatment in Saudi Arabia since the end of November, without having formally transferred power to Vice President Goodluck Jonathan. This had created some uncertainty in respect of exercise of authority by the President and Vice-President. During the Jos crisis the Vice President deployed troops to Plateau State to restore order and order was gradually re-established. However, it had been debated that legally he did not have the power to do this. In addition, unrest in the Niger Delta has threatened to escalate due to delays in the amnesty programme caused by the President's absence.

However, on February 9, faced with growing public dissatisfaction at the situation, both houses of the National Assembly adopted resolutions which formally recognise Vice-President Jonathan as the acting President with full and formal presidential powers, pending President Yar'Adua's return to Nigeria. This shows a respect for the Nigerian constitution and strengthens the Vice President's position in running the country.

The Irish Embassy in Abuja, Nigeria, remained in daily contact with all Irish citizens in and around Jos throughout the violence, and visited the area when conditions allowed. None of the Irish citizens contacted wished to leave and all remained safe. The Embassy has provided some humanitarian funding to help victims of the violence, and is investigating, along with EU partners, other ways to be of assistance.

Since 2007, Irish Aid has provided over €4.3 million in long-term development funding to NGO partner organisations working in Nigeria. The main recipients of this funding have been Irish missionaries working in Nigeria. These funds have assisted a variety of programmes including provision of basic education, promotion of human rights, and provision of primary heath care, rural development, and development of water and sanitation sectors.