Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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I am deeply saddened and concerned by last Wednesday’s devastating earthquake in eastern Afghanistan and express my sincere condolences to the victims. This tragedy comes at an extremely difficult time for the people of Afghanistan, with millions facing severe hunger, including at least 20,000 people living in catastrophic food insecurity.   

Ireland has significantly increased its support to the people of Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover, increasing our humanitarian aid fivefold over the course of 2021, from €1.1 million to over €5.3 million. In 2022, Ireland has provided over €3.25 million to Afghanistan. This funding has been allocated to the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund (€1.5 million), UNHCR (€1 million) and civil society partners Concern Worldwide (€358,875), HALO Trust (€250,000) and Christian Aid (€143,785).

Ireland also contributes to global funds and key agencies active in Afghanistan, including the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), which has allocated more than €68.6 million to Afghanistan since August 2021. This prepositioned funding ensures that our humanitarian partners can mobilise immediately to provide life-saving assistance to survivors and victims’ families.

Minister Coveney announced on the day of the earthquake that Irish Aid funding will be provided to support the humanitarian response. We are in contact with our partners on the ground who are assessing immediate needs. I expect to be able to make a specific announcement in the course of the week on how best Ireland will respond this emergency.