Minister Power announces biggest ever shipment of humanitarian aid from Ireland

Irish Aid, the Government’s overseas aid programme, has chartered a 747 jumbo- jet to transport emergency shelter and water equipment for up to 33,000 people from its stockpile in Dubai. It is the largest single shipment of humanitarian supplies ever undertaken by the State. The supplies are being provided to Irish aid agencies - Concern, Trócaire, Goal and Plan Ireland for distribution to the affected Pakistani population.

Announcing the emergency supplies, Minister Power said:

"I remain gravely concerned about the deteriorating situation in Pakistan. We are witnessing untold levels of human suffering; with seven million destitute, without food, clean water or shelter, and millions of children at risk. As a nation we have a moral obligation to respond when faced with a humanitarian disaster of this magnitude.

This shipment is the second consignment which the Government has provided for the Pakistani people. These supplies will provide shelter and basic infrastructure for survival for 33,000 people. It brings total aid from Ireland to over €2 million.

This crisis has deepened over the last seven days as its true scale has become clear. Over 17 million people are now directly affected. Homes, livelihoods, and livestock have been washed away and people have been left in need of the most basic means of survival. This aid from Ireland is vital in helping to alleviate the suffering of the Pakistani people who have been caught up in this terrible crisis”.

Two consignments of aid supplies totalling 130 tonnes were delivered to Haiti earlier this year in response to the crippling earthquake suffered by that country. Ireland remains engaged with the reconstruction process in Haiti as that country continues to recover following the disaster. Similarly, Ireland will remain committed to assisting the people of Pakistan in the months ahead as they strive to rebuild their lives.