Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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347. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which previous commitments towards the alleviation of hardship in Haiti in the wake of the earthquake disaster of some years ago have been honoured in full by each EU country; if a better response can be achieved in the aftermath of the recent hurricane there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32085/16]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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On 12 January 2010, Haiti was struck by one of the most devastating earthquakes in recent history, causing some 230,000 deaths and 300,000 injuries. The earthquake destroyed much of Port-au-Prince and the surrounding areas, left about 1.5 million people homeless and caused losses estimated at €5.9 billion.

Two months after the earthquake, the international community pledged US $4.5 billion at a donor conference in New York in response to a UN appeal for $1.5 billion. UN figures indicate that, by the end of 2014, $3.52 billion had been provided.

Many donors however, were slow to release funds and aid did reach all affected communities. There have been numerous reviews of aid delivery to Haiti post-earthquake and the findings were that the international community could have responded quicker and more effectively.

Ireland, however, met its commitments to the people of Haiti in full. By the end of 2012, Ireland's pledge of €13 million had been exceeded, with support reaching almost €14 million. In total, in the period 2010-2015, Ireland provided €23.9 million in humanitarian and longer term development funding to Haiti.

Since 2010, the European Commission has provided a total of €272.95 million to assist victims of the earthquake, responding to humanitarian needs and supporting the improvement of basic social services. A key focus of support was to strengthen local capacities in disaster preparedness.

Although there has been significant progress since the 2010 earthquake, including the rebuilding of infrastructure and the restoration of livelihoods, Haiti remains vulnerable to natural hazards, such as Hurricane Matthew in recent weeks.

The impact of Hurricane Matthew has been devastating, causing widespread flooding, damage and displacement. Through the leadership of the Government of Haiti, the international community has responded rapidly to address urgent humanitarian requirements, while also considering the longer terms needs of the affected communities.

Ireland responded quickly and effectively. Through Irish Aid, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade organised an airlift of humanitarian supplies from Ireland's prepositioned stocks in Panama, to provide relief to 1,000 families in one of the worst affected areas. So far, Ireland has provided €1.76 million in funding to longstanding NGO partners, best placed to respond in Haiti for the provision of life saving assistance, including shelter, water, sanitation and health activities, and distribution of food. A further airlift of non-food emergency supplies is planned.

The UN issued a Flash Appeal seeking $119 million for the provision of life-saving assistance to 750,000 people over the coming three months. The United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund has released $5 million to address urgent needs. Ireland last year provided a total of €11.75 million to the Central Emergency Relief Fund, and is its eighth highest donor.

The EU Civil Protection Mechanism was also activated in response to a request from the Government of Haiti. This led to the deployment of a Civil Protection Team, with twelve experts from five countries. Ireland's Rapid Response Corps, managed by my Department, stands ready to deploy. The EU has released funding of €1.75 million in response to the hurricane.

The work of the UN, the EU and the international community remains vital, ensuring that the people of Haiti can recover quickly and rebuild their livelihoods. We are continuing to monitor the situation in the country closely.