EU takes lead role in Pakistan, Aid increased to €70 million - Minister Martin

The European Union is to increase its emergency funding to Pakistan by €30 million to €70 million in response to what remains an unfolding crisis which has left millions of people facing a battle for survival, according to Foreign Affairs Minister, Micheál Martin, TD.

“Ireland welcomes the allocation of this extra funding, which is in addition to that already committed by individual Governments. The European Union is the biggest provider of aid to the disaster area, and has been active on the ground since the start of this disaster.”

“It is clear now that people are facing the prospect of a double disaster, with the threat of disease following the devastation of the floods. The EU has the mechanisms to respond to such a threat following the implementation of the Lisbon Treaty and I would urge the Union to do everything it can to ease the plight of the people on the ground.”

“I welcome the decision to despatch the EU’s lead humanitarian official, Commissioner Kristalina Georgieva, to the region on Monday where she will review the relief operation at first hand and see what more needs to be done.”

“I will be remaining in close contact with our European partners to ensure that everything possible is being done to ease the plight of the people of Pakistan.”

“My colleague, Minister of State, Peter Power, is also representing Ireland at a special meeting of the United Nations General Assembly called in response to the disaster.”