Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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43. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the situation in South Sudan continues to be monitored by the EU and UN, with particular reference to the need to alleviate famine and starvation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23496/14]

Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Since the outbreak of the conflict in South Sudan in mid-December 2013, more than 1.2 million people have been forced from their homes and an estimated five million people are in urgent need of assistance. According to the World Food Programme (WFP), there is a serious risk of famine later this year unless adequate humanitarian assistance can be delivered to those most in need. This unthinkable prospect can still be avoided providing humanitarian agencies are allowed access before it is too late. It is absolutely critical to stop the fighting and remove any obstacles preventing the delivery of life-saving assistance.

Since the South Sudanese Ministry of Health declared a cholera outbreak on 15 May in Juba, Central Equatoria, the reported cholera caseload has doubled every day. New cases have been reported in recent days in two additional States, Jonglei and Upper Nile. After the first case was confirmed in Juba, more than 395 cholera cases have now been recorded as of 22 May. There are now 14 confirmed deaths with dozens of children among the affected. In response to the cholera outbreak, UNICEF has supported the establishment of a Cholera Treatment Centre at the Juba Teaching Hospital. It is also providing life-saving supplies, including medicines, protective gear and equipment, and is expanding preventive measures to halt further spread across the country.

At last week’s South Sudan pledging conference, hosted by Norway in cooperation with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, international donors pledged more than US$600 million in aid, aimed at preventing famine and upholding human rights in the country. This is about half of the funding required (US$1.26 billion) to allow for the provision of vital nutrition supplies, water and child protection services. Ireland pledged €2million at the conference to support life saving work of UN and NGO partners in the country. Given the seriousness of the crisis and the urgent needs of innocent civilians, Ireland is providing €1.36 million to our NGO partners in South Sudan to provide healthcare and protection to vulnerable women and children. In addition, Ireland is also providing €500,000 to support the WFP’s work in South Sudan and €200,000 to assist South Sudanese refugees who have fled to Uganda. This funding of over €2 million brings our total contribution this year to approximately €5 million. This assistance is saving lives.

Ireland will continue to advocate at all relevant international fora for increased support to the humanitarian relief effort both within South Sudan and for South Sudanese refugees and host communities in neighbouring countries. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide assistance, within our means and as the situation evolves.