Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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74. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Ireland's contribution, financially or in terms of resource commitment or otherwise to the Donor Conference for Development in Mali that was held on 15 May 2013 in Brussels; if Ireland took the initiative to participate in the meeting; if Ireland was invited by either the European Union or France to participate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23546/13]

Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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The situation in Mali remains high priority for the international community, including the European Union. It has been discussed at a series of international and EU meetings over recent months. Ireland has played a significant role in these talks in our capacity as EU Presidency, including in discussions which I chaired at the meeting of EU Development Ministers in Dublin in February. Ireland was invited by the co-hosts, the EU and the French Government, to attend the International Donors Conference for Development in Mali which took place in Brussels yesterday. I represented the Government at the meeting.

Ireland is committed to continuing to respond to humanitarian needs in Mali and the wider region. In 2012, the Government provided €9.25 million for relief efforts in the Sahel region, through Irish and international NGO partners. We announced a further €1.8 million in Irish Aid funding earlier this year, for those worst affected by the crisis in Mali, including assistance to displaced people and refugees. At the Conference in Brussels yesterday, I announced a further €2.5 million in humanitarian and recovery funding for Mali over the two-year period ahead.