Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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580. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if humanitarian aid continues to be made available in the regions throughout the globe currently most affected by conflict; if adequate steps have been taken to ensure the availability of aid and the establishment of safe havens for civilians; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9435/16]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The world is currently facing a level of humanitarian crisis unprecedented in recent decades, and appeals for assistance continue to outpace the international community’s capacity to respond. Almost 60 million people are now displaced globally, the great majority of them fleeing from situations of conflict.

Ireland’s humanitarian response focuses on the most severe crises, in particular those that are protracted over many years and often forgotten. 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 these crises. We focus on where needs are greatest, with a strong commitment to the humanitarian principles of independence, neutrality, impartiality and respect for fundamental human rights.

We are 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 conflict.

At a global level, Ireland is a major supporter of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which is often the best placed to provide assistance in conflict situations and gain access to areas where other organisations cannot operate, such as Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and South Sudan. Last year, Ireland provided almost €11 million to the ICRC to support its global operations in conflict contexts and we intend to continue this support in 2016.

Through Irish Aid, the Government will provide over €100 million in humanitarian assistance globally in 2016. We are allocating resources across crisis-affected countries to support programmes which save lives, provide protection for people fleeing from conflict and support them to find livelihood opportunities in the communities and countries where they are currently hosted.