Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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The recent attack in Nairobi reminds us of the immediate impact of radicalisation and violent extremism on civilians in many countries in the world today. I remain deeply concerned by the threat to peace and security represented by armed groups such as Boko Haram and Al Shabaab. The Government consistently condemns their brutal attacks on civilian populations, and particularly the impact of such violence on women and girls.

Ireland is working with partners to implement a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of radicalisation in both regions. The EU is engaged through political dialogue, EU Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions (including EUCAP Somalia, EUNAVFOR Operation Atalanta and EUTM Somalia), and development and humanitarian cooperation. The Irish Defence Forces and other Irish experts have participated in many different CSDP Missions, often at a senior level - the former Director of the Irish Coast Guard will deploy to Mogadishu to take up the position of Deputy Head of Mission at EUCAP Somalia at the end of this month. Ireland’s participation in these CSDP Missions allows us to contribute to international peace and security, to protect human rights, and to support conditions for sustainable development.

The EU is also actively supporting capacity building operations in the areas of maritime law enforcement and training, while in territories affected by Boko Haram, the EU has pledged €50 million in support of the Multinational Joint Taskforce which promotes regional security. The EU provides considerable support to the UN-mandated AMISOM, the African Union-led peacekeeping mission in Somalia, to combat the serious threat posed by Al-Shabaab. Through a wide variety of programmes and partnerships, the EU also supports the strengthening of Somalia’s Government institutions.

Ireland works bilaterally, as an EU Member State, and with UN partners to promote peace and security in areas affected by armed groups. The Embassies of Ireland in Nairobi and Abuja actively monitor the situation on the ground, advise on humanitarian response and guide Ireland’s engagement in EU and UN forums.

In addition, Ireland works with partners on our collective humanitarian response. In 2018, Ireland provided €5.5 million in humanitarian support to the Somalia and €4.8 million to the Lake Chad region. As well as this direct bilateral aid, Ireland has also contributed significantly to humanitarian support through the multilateral system and via the EU. The European Union last year provided almost €89 million to Somalia and €90 million to the Lake Chad region. Ireland is the 7th largest donor to the UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund, which last year allocated €15 million to Somalia and €43 million to the Lake Chad region. With humanitarian needs likely to remain acute throughout 2019, Irish funding will continue to target those most in need.