Tsunami disaster - We have key role to play in aid efforts

THE clear and unequivocal message from Irish aid agencies in the wake of the Indian Ocean disaster leaves no room for ambiguity - every euro, every pound and every dollar pledged by Ireland and other countries must go towards the relief effort.

There should be no repetition of the mean-spirited approach witnessed in similar global emergencies where money promised by world governments evaporated once the media focus had turned elsewhere. For instance, since last year’s Bam earthquake in Iran only one-fifth of the international aid pledged has been honoured.

The goodwill of the Irish Government is not in doubt in this regard. But following yesterday’s meeting with the Irish aid agencies, it should seek to ensure that other nations come up to the mark.

Since the tsunami struck 11 days ago, the Irish public has set an astonishing example, donating a staggering €10 million towards the relief effort.

The response of the man and woman in the street has set an example for the Government in a catastrophe that left millions homeless and claimed more than 150,000 lives, a toll likely to rise still further.

Having come in for strong criticism over its initial offer of €1 million towards the relief effort, the Government doubled that paltry sum and then increased it to €10 million. The assurance given by the Taoiseach that the figure will be kept under constant review is music to the ears of the hard-pressed aid agencies.

Given the sheer magnitude of this disaster, not alone should the generosity of the public be matched by the Coalition, it should be multiplied manyfold. As Foreign Minister Dermot Ahern put it, the Government will not be mealy-mouthed in its response to this crisis.

In earnest of that assurance, Ireland should actively consider sending logistical troops to oversee the distribution of aid. Arguably, the triple-lock mandate for peace duties, involving a UN request, plus a government decision and Dáil approval, should go by the board in humanitarian emergencies caused by natural disasters.

Britain has set an excellent example by calling for an immediate freeze on foreign debts owed by countries caught up in the appalling tragedy. Arguably, many debts should be written off, particularly as communities which depend on fishing for a livelihood have seen their fleets smashed to smithereens and fish stocks wiped out by the giant tidal waves.

This country also has a bounden duty to give a lead when EU ministers consider how e436 million should be disbursed. Adding to the crisis, the first cases of disease were reported yesterday as heavy rains swept through overcrowded camps.

With tens of thousands of people at risk, aid agencies are facing a race against time.

Given the enormity of this tragedy, the lack of information about the impact of the tsunami on the people of Burma is extraordinary. For the military dictatorship to claim that only 53 victims perished in the disaster flies in the face of reality.

In view of Ireland’s controversial recognition of the repressive regime, there is an onus on the Taoiseach and his government to press the generals to allow aid agencies into Burma.

In the final analysis, Ireland should assume a key role to ensure that donor countries are not allowed to slip off the hook. That means setting clear time-scales for delivery of aid relief to stricken areas and seeing to it that all promises of money are honoured.