The Government is to contribute €250,000 to evacuate civilians fleeing from the conflict in Libya.
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Eamon Gilmore announced the funding for the International Organisation for Migration (IoM) in a Dáil debate on Libya this today.
The funds will be used by the organisation to repatriate foreign nationals crossing into Egypt and Tunisia.
“There are literally hundreds of thousands of foreign workers in Libya who have found themselves caught up in the conflict and are attempting to return home,” Mr Gilmore said.
“Nearly 10,000 people are in transit camps on Libya’s borders. Irish Aid provided thousands of blankets to the UN last week as part of the Government’s response to the crisis. These funds will allow the IoM to take people from the camps and get them back to their home country.”
Minister of State for Development Jan O’Sullivan noted the UN had estimated there were nearly two million foreign workers in Libya when the conflict began.
“Nearly 350,000 people have left to date and there is a clear risk that this could escalate in the coming days or weeks. Ireland’s support for the IoM will help them to develop contingency plans as the conflict continues.”
Total Irish support for the evacuation operation on Libya’s border has now reached €500,000.
Today's announcement follow an international appeal by the United Nations earlier this week.