Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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902. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which humanitarian aid should be received by those persons for whom it was intended at all locations globally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38409/15]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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905. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the top ten locations worldwide identified as being areas subject to the most serious human rights abuses, with particular reference to those areas also affected by war, famine, starvation, genocide, and religious intolerance; the extent to which the global community can make a positive and influential impact in such situations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38412/15]

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 902 and 905 together.

The world is currently facing an unprecedented level of humanitarian crisis, and the appeals for assistance continue to outpace the international community’s capacity to respond. Almost 60 million people are now displaced globally, half of them children, and the great majority of them living in situations of conflict.

Ireland’s humanitarian response focuses on the most severe crises, especially protracted and forgotten emergencies. The core objective of our assistance is to save and protect lives, alleviate suffering and maintain human dignity, before, during and in the aftermath of such crises. Ireland's humanitarian response is focused on where needs are greatest and is underpinned by a strong commitment to the humanitarian principles of independence, neutrality, impartiality and humanity, and to respect fundamental human rights.

Ireland is committed to working with a range of partners including non-governmental and UN organisations, and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. These partners have the experience and capacity to deliver assistance to the most vulnerable communities in times of crisis and stress.

Four crises, in Syria, Iraq, Yemen and South Sudan, are classified by the UN as ‘level 3’ emergencies, the most severe, large-scale humanitarian crises. These four crises are expected to remain at this level in 2016. They are all complex crises in conflict situations which have resulted in significant internal displacement, food insecurity, rising malnutrition levels and human rights abuses. In addition to responding to these severe crises, Ireland has provided humanitarian assistance in a number of major crises in Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and across the Sahel and the Horn of Africa, including Somalia and Ethiopia.

Last year, we dedicated €85 million in providing lifesaving humanitarian assistance to vulnerable people across the world and we expect to surpass that figure in 2015.

On 2 July, I addressed the first ever Irish Humanitarian Summit, which took place in UCD and was opened by President Higgins. One of the key themes which emerged was the importance of serving the needs of people affected by conflict. Ireland will continue to highlight this issue in the lead up to the World Humanitarian Summit, an initiative of the UN Secretary General, which will be held in Istanbul in May 2016.