Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 38: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will detail support which Ireland has given or is preparing to give to democratic movements in Arab countries. [16235/12]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 56: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the EU directly or through the UN continues to monitor the situation in countries the subject of the Arab spring political and or social military changes with particular reference to the need to encourage the establishment of democratic procedures and practices including free elections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17534/12]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 38 and 56 together.

The uprisings across the Arab world which started at the end of 2010 have been genuinely popular movements demanding reform, freedom and equality. These movements are promoting fundamental values such as freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, the right to a fair trial and freedom from torture. Ireland and its EU partners subscribe fully to what these movements are seeking to achieve. We will continue to provide them with both political and financial support.

In terms of bilateral support to date, Ireland has contributed €150,000 to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights' 2011 funding for North Africa appeal. We also provided €150,000 to UNDP in Egypt to strengthen democratic participation in the recent Egyptian elections, an essential part of increasing human rights and accountability.

Ireland has also contributed humanitarian aid to both Libya and Syria. In the case of Libya, €1.3 million was provided in 2011 to international agencies in response to the humanitarian needs within Libya and on its borders. In response to the Syrian crisis, Ireland has pledged to make up to €500,000 available to the Red Cross and UN agencies operating in Syria, as well as in neighbouring countries such as Jordan, Turkey and Lebanon. In addition, the Irish Aid Rapid Response Corps and our emergency stockpiles in Dubai have been made available for immediate dispatch as required.

In terms of non-financial support, Ireland has already facilitated the entry of approximately 30 Libyans seriously injured during the war into Ireland for medical treatment in private hospitals and more are expected to follow.

As regards EU support in 2011, the EU launched the Neighbourhood Civil Society Facility, which increases support and funding to Civil Society organisations in the region, and the EU SPRING package which will see an additional €350 million targeted at the region for democracy support programmes and to promote job creation. Funding for these initiatives comes from the European Neighbourhood Programme Instrument (ENPI) which for the Multi-annual Financial Framework (MFF) 2008-2013 has a budget of €11.3 billion, Ireland's contribution being €132 million.