O'Donnell Allocates Additional £1m to Mozambique Relief
Liz O'Donnell, T.D., Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, has announced an additional allocation of £1m for emergency assistance to Mozambique.
"Originally, these funds were allocated to long-term development activities in the province of Inhambane - one of the areas worst-affected by the current emergency. Unfortunately, these activities have now had to be deferred because of the devastation caused by the floods. Right now, the priority is saving lives and emergency and recovery operations," the Minister said.
"Ireland Aid is playing a leading role in the response to the emergency. We are in a position to do so because we have a close relationship with the authorities and people of Inhambane and because we have the flexibility to re-direct our budget to where the need is greatest". The money will be spent on supporting displaced people, on re-building infrastructure, and re-establishing health and education services.
The Minister indicated that Ireland Aid:
is ready to provide further funding for the rescue operations operated by the South African Defence Forces.
is working closely on the ground with the EU Presidency and Member States (Permanent Representatives) and the international community generally
will continue to work in partnership with Irish NGOs in support of their work in Mozambique.
The Minister welcomed the visit by EU Development Commissioner Nielsen to Mozambique which starts tomorrow. Today's allocation brings to £1.4m the Ireland Aid contribution to date for emergency assistance to Mozambique. Ireland Aid also provides aid of about £7m per year to Mozambique for long-term development programmes.
