Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 49: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he continues to monitor and positively influence the situation throughout Africa with particular reference to those areas deemed to be most administratively unstable and subject to famine, starvation, ethnic cleansing or on-going warfare; if any new measures are afoot to streamline the direction of international aid and the success of any such measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33894/12]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 52: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he or his Department directly, or through the aegis of the EU or UN, have managed to monitor or influence the situation in the horn of Africa with particular reference to addressing the issues of starvation, conflict and human rights abuses; the efforts made to date to address the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33897/12]

Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 49 and 52 together.

Since its inception in 1974, Ireland's programme of official development assistance has had a particular focus on the continent of Africa. Both historically, and in many cases up to and including the present day, African countries have been faced enormous difficulties, including food insecurity, poverty, protracted conflict, environmental degradation, weak government capacity, unequal global trading relationships, severe infrastructural weaknesses, poor governance, debt and the effects of HIV/AIDS.

In an effort to help the countries of the continent confront these far-reaching challenges, we channel some 80% of Ireland's development assistance to Africa. Ireland operates intensive and wide-ranging country programmes in Lesotho, Mozambique, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Zambia, Uganda and Malawi. Thanks in part to this support, many of these countries have made significant progress with regard to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), including in relation to the fight against extreme poverty, work to improve school enrolment and child health, and activities aimed at expanding access to HIV and AIDS prevention and treatment. In addition to this bilateral support, Ireland also provides development assistance to these and many other countries in Africa, through our partnerships with the United Nations, the Red Cross family and development NGOs such as Concern, Goal and Trócaire.

As the Deputy notes, some countries in Africa continue to face particularly acute challenges in terms of conflict and food insecurity. Through Irish Aid's emergency humanitarian budget we respond quickly and effectively to needs arising from such emergencies as well as to the effects of natural disasters across the continent.

Most recently, Ireland has responded to the extremely severe food crisis in the Sahel region of West Africa with a contribution of over €9.25 million. In Sudan and South Sudan, Ireland has also provided substantial assistance to those affected by the ongoing conflict in the border areas between those two countries, including €5 million for the UN-managed Common Humanitarian Funds. In addition, almost €1.5 million has been allocated to a number of key NGO partners working in South Sudan.

In the Horn of Africa, almost one year on from the devastating famine which killed tens of thousands of people, the humanitarian situation remains extremely fragile. While a huge relief effort, followed by good rains last autumn, saved hundreds of thousands of lives, the crisis forced many more from their homes, devastated their livelihoods and left them vulnerable to future hunger shocks. Moreover, according to aid agencies working on the ground, the tentative progress made thus far now risks being undermined by yet another poor rainy season and a later than usual harvest. We will continue to engage actively at EU and international level in pushing for a strongly coordinated approach to the humanitarian requirements in the Horn.

In spite of the enormous challenges faced across many regions of the continent however, progress is undoubtedly being made right across Africa. Indeed, many countries, previously mired in poverty, are experiencing rapid economic growth and developing faster than ever before. While remaining committed to helping to tackle poverty and inequality and to make a real and lasting difference to the lives of the poorest and most vulnerable communities in Africa, the Government is therefore eager to strengthen our overall engagement in the continent and to take a fresh look at ways in which both we and our African partners can benefit from the opportunities involved. A fundamental principle of our approach is an emphasis on the promotion of political progress including the resolution of conflict, the strengthening of democracy, and respect for human rights and the rule of law.