Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 36: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will advise persons (details supplied) regarding aid to Libya. [5104/11]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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The humanitarian situation in and around Libya is extremely worrying. More than 250,000 people, mostly migrant workers, are thought to have fled across the country's borders and into Tunisia and Egypt in recent weeks, prompting a major international relief effort. At the same time, the situation within the country gives cause for real concern with widespread reports of civilian deaths and casualties. The violence has also sparked fears of much larger population movements and for the availability of food.

Humanitarian access to western Libya and areas under the control of the regime has been very limited, making it extremely difficult to assess the needs of the population or prevent further suffering. Together with our EU and UN partners, we have emphasised the need to place concerted pressure on the Libyan Government to permit full and unhindered access for humanitarian agencies.

The Irish Government, through Irish Aid, has also committed nearly €400,000 in response to the crisis, through both direct funding and in-kind assistance. This assistance has included the transport of 18,500 blankets and 100 tents for distribution by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) as well as €250,000 for the International Organisation for Migration to help transport some of those stranded at border areas back to their countries of origin. My Department stands ready to provide further support in response to the needs identified by the United Nations and other aid agencies such as the International Committee of the Red Cross and Red Crescent (ICRC).

The ICRC, which works to prevent and alleviate human suffering and to provide emergency medical services to people affected by disasters or conflicts, is currently working with the Libyan Red Crescent in areas such as Benghazi. Proposals regarding the delivery of medical supplies or equipment from Ireland may usefully be addressed to the ICRC, or to the Irish Red Cross in Dublin.