Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 June 2024
105. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which Ireland encourages a greater, more rapid response to emerging global emergencies arising from starvation, crop failure, war and ethnic cleansing, arising from deliberations at the United Nations Security Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27794/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland consistently advocates for greater international attention and action to respond to global humanitarian crises. During our membership of the UN Security Council in 2021 and 2022, Ireland encouraged a rapid response to many humanitarian crises across the globe. We continue to advocate for an urgent response, including as Co-Chair of the UN Group of Friends on Conflict and Hunger, and as a member of the Advisory Board of the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF).
In 2023, Ireland's humanitarian spend reached a record €300 million. So far in 2024, we have responded to multiple crises, including the conflicts in Gaza, Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Syria, and the Horn of Africa. The provision of rapid humanitarian assistance for sudden onset emergencies is a particular challenge, which Ireland addresses through our Rapid Response Initiative, and our pre-positioned global humanitarian funding.
Under the Rapid Response Initiative, Ireland provides emergency supplies such as tents and blankets to sudden onset crises; we also deploy humanitarian experts to UN agencies to support their humanitarian response. In 2024, to date, we have provided vital relief items to Gaza and Haiti, and deployed 21 members of our Rapid Response Roster to five UN agencies in 14 countries.
Ireland also provides funding to several global humanitarian pooled funds. In 2024, we have provided €14 million to the UN Central Emergency Response Fund, €1.4 million to the START Fund, and €1.4 million to the Disaster Response Emergency Fund of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. We also provides pre-positioned humanitarian funding to Irish Non-Governmental Organisations through Ireland’s Civil Society Partnership. These pre-positioned funding mechanisms are the most efficient means to respond quickly and efficiently to sudden natural disasters or conflicts.
