Irish taxpayers have to date pledged almost €4 million to aid agencies working on the ground in earthquake-ravaged Haiti, it was announced today.
The latest donation of more than €800,000 will be provided to Plan Ireland, Christian Aid and UN agencies which are focusing on education and child protection, shelter, agriculture and environmental support.
Some 130 tonnes relief supplies have already been distributed by agencies through the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Irish Aid programme.
Six members of Ireland’s Rapid Response Corps also remain on the ground supporting the emergency response since the earthquake destroyed Port-au-Prince on January 12th.
Minister of State for Overseas Development, Peter Power, said the needs of people of Haiti remain immense two months after the tremor.
“Children in particular remain extremely vulnerable,” he said.
“Irish Aid funding of 250,000 euro will help Plan Ireland to operate six temporary schools. These schools will also provide protective spaces and psychological support to help children recover from the extreme trauma which they have experienced.”
The Haitian government estimates 1.9 million people have lost their homes.
Mr Power said while shelter remains a critical need funding will support the UN Humanitarian Settlement Programme, UN-HABITAT, to assist the Haitian Government in rehabilitating Haiti’s housing, social and physical infrastructure.
Elsewhere the devastating earthquake has seriously affected the agriculture sector with tools, seeds and fertilisers lost or damaged.
“The large scale displacement of families from urban to rural areas has also put pressure on food availability,” said Mr Power.
“Irish Aid is supporting the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation to protect the vital agriculture sector from further decline.
“We are also supporting Christian Aid’s programme to provide cash support to rural farming families who are hosting those displaced from the cities. This will help to support 1,000 families.”
PA