Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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63. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the international community can be mobilised to address the humanitarian crisis arising from war, oppression and starvation in the Horn of Africa, with particular reference to Yemen, Sudan and Somalia; if, in view of the warnings from humanitarian aid organisations, provisions can now be put in place to address the emerging situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18299/17]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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The Government shares the deep concern internationally at the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Horn of Africa and Yemen. Conflict, drought and loss of livelihoods are forcing people to flee their homes, and millions are suffering from acute hunger and are facing famine. The UN has called on the international community to step up efforts to avoid catastrophe.

In 2016, Ireland provided some €195 million in humanitarian assistance to people affected by crises worldwide. Our assistance is focused on saving lives and alleviating suffering by providing food assistance, treating malnutrition, providing shelter and protection, and basic services in health care, education and water and sanitation.

The continued provision of timely humanitarian assistance by the international community is essential. Last month, Ireland provided €11 million in support to our humanitarian partners in the Horn of Africa, bringing to €115 million our humanitarian assistance to this region since 2012. This includes €31 million to Somalia and €21 million to Sudan. We are currently preparing a further package of humanitarian assistance to our NGO partners on the ground. In addition, we are arranging two airlifts into the region in the coming days carrying 130 tonnes of emergency relief supplies, including blankets, shelter items and cooking sets.

In view of the scale of the humanitarian crisis affecting Yemen, Ireland has provided almost €6 million in humanitarian assistance since 2015, to our partners’ operations in the country.

We will continue to monitor these crises closely and to provide life-saving assistance to people in need.