Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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44. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the engagement he has had with Irish Aid agencies whose staff are still in Sudan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20761/23]

Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The Government is very concerned at the situation in Sudan. Heavy fighting has been taking place across Khartoum and elsewhere in Sudan since 15 April. Hospitals and critical infrastructure have been attacked. At least 500 people have been killed, including 18 humanitarian and health workers, and over 5,000 injured. Civilians are the main victims of the conflict, with many trapped in their homes, unable to access essential supplies.

Even before the current outbreak of violence, almost 16 million people in Sudan - one third of the population - were in need of humanitarian assistance. Humanitarian operations are now almost impossible, with many organisations suspending, or partially suspending, their work.

Ireland has been a longstanding partner with the people of Sudan, providing over €35 million in aid since 2018, including via Irish non-governmental partners such as Concern, Goal, Trócaire and World Vision Ireland. Ireland supports humanitarian work as well as development, peace and human rights programmes. Earlier this year, we provided an additional €3 million to the Sudan Humanitarian Fund. In response to the current crisis, Ireland is making funds immediately available to existing humanitarian response partners for use in the most affected areas in the country when operations can resume.

Our Embassy in Nairobi, which is accredited to Sudan, and officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin remain in close contact with Irish NGOs normally based in Sudan. We are exchanging information on the latest developments and reviewing options for assistance.