Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 391: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide an update on the situation in Mozambique with particular reference to the evolution of the democratic process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36421/10]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Mozambique is an important partner for both Ireland and the European Union in Africa, and a priority country within Ireland's official development cooperation programme. Notwithstanding considerable economic and social progress since the conclusion of its civil war in 1992, Mozambique remains one of the poorest countries in the world, dependent on external resources. Ireland, together with EU and other donor partners, maintains an ongoing dialogue with the Government of Mozambique on political, economic and social developments in that country. Our dialogue concentrates on how donors and the Government of Mozambique can work most effectively to tackle such major challenges as the need to improve standards of governance and human rights, to continue to improve health and education outcomes, to strengthen agricultural productivity and improve access to food and nutrition, and how to most effectively mitigate the effects of natural disasters and other emergencies.

With regard to the democratic process, in October 2009 the European Union sent an Election Observation Mission (EOM) to Mozambique to monitor Presidential, legislative and provincial assembly elections. A number of Irish observers took part in that mission. The monitors found that the election day was very well managed and the electoral campaign was constructive. However, transparency shortcomings and a degree of constraint with regard to political activity and voter choice at a local level were noted, as were certain irregularities which occurred during the tabulation process. Twenty-five key recommendations to improve the electoral process were set out in the report of the monitors for consideration by the Government of Mozambique, the Electoral Commission and other stakeholders.

Based on the key recommendations the European Union and other donors have agreed a Governance Action Plan with the Government of Mozambique which will see measures introduced in accordance with an agreed timetable to improve the electoral process and the operation of parliamentary accountability in the country. The implementation of the agreed Governance Action Plan has begun, with proposals for reform of the Electoral Commission under active consideration, including formal consultation with civil society. Opposition members of the National Assembly have been given access to resources in parliament. Provincial level assemblies have been established, and the number of municipalities has been increased by around 50%. In addition, greater responsibilities and resources are being devolved to provincial and district levels, notably in the areas of health and education, sectors in which Ireland is particularly active.

Ireland played a key role in driving agreement of the Governance Action Plan, as a member of the leadership troika which led the discussions with the Government of Mozambique. Ireland, together with other donors, is supporting the change process and actively monitoring the implementation of the Governance Action Plan. In addition, we continue to work closely with the Government of Mozambique and other partners on wider governance issues.

Urban poverty and anger over price rises were among the catalysts of two days of civil unrest in Mozambique's capital, Maputo, in early September, which saw at least 13 people killed and around 300 injured. The disturbances illustrate the ongoing potential for instability in Mozambique, a consequence of poverty. Amongst other things, the violence underlines the need for greater transparency, accountability and the proper functioning of democratic institutions including the Parliamentary and local Government systems. Ireland, along with our EU partners, has been monitoring developments in the aftermath of these incidents closely, and will continue to do so.