The number of Rapid Response Corps currently deployed in Haiti to assist in the international emergency effort in the wake of the devastating earthquake is six.

Three of the six RRC members – an ICT expert, an electrical engineer and a civil engineer – are working with the UN World Food Programme (WFP). Another is providing support to the civil military coordination function of the UN Office for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Two logisticians are working respectively with Irish aid agencies, Concern and Goal. 

Other members of the Rapid Response Corps are on standby and may be called upon over the coming days and weeks to fill essential positions.

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(Captioned Photos are available below for download)
John Jefferies, Ballinhassig, Co Cork
Donal McGrath, Greystones, Wicklow
Fred Tottenham, Dublin
Captain Tim O'Connor, Cork
Mike Lee, Youghal Co. Cork
Donal Bracken, (Lt Col Retd) Monaghan Town

John Jefferies, Ballinhassig, Co Cork

An ESB Network Technician from Cork, John previously worked in Azerbaijan as an international observer during the country’s elections and also has worked with Concern.

He has three children Eoin, Aideen and Cian. His first development assignment was with Concern in Burundi, setting up IT infrastructure. He has also worked in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Tanzania. He has also travelled to Azerbaijan at the request of the Department of Foreign Affairs to work as an election observer.

In Haiti, Mr Jefferies is responsible for the provision of electrical services for the WFP's emergency operations. His tasks include the installation and maintenance of electricity wiring and distribution systems for all WFP offices and warehouses in the emergency zone.

Speaking about his interest in development work, Mr Jefferies said;

"It's nice to do something different and I really enjoy meeting people from all over the world. It's very rewarding being so hands-on in helping people. And the one thing I’ve learned is that people are all basically the same. We all want a decent standard of living, a better life for our children and something to look forward to."

Minister Power with Rapid Response Corps members, from left to right: Fred Tottenham, Donal McGrath and Marion Roche.

Donal McGrath, Greystones, Wicklow
An ICT specialist, originally from Dublin, Mr McGrath lives in Greystones, Co Wicklow. He is also working with the WFP in Haiti. He previously deployed with the Rapid Response Corps to work with the World Food Programme in Tanzania for three months in 2008. He has worked in ICT in Teagasc and with a number of Government Departments, including the Department of Justice. 

Speaking ahead of his deployment, he said:
"My role in overseas development work is quite recent and dates from my participation in Irish Aid's Rapid Response Corps. Unlike some members of the Corps, who have prior experience with NGOs, my first involvement was when I joined the first RRC cohort in 2007. I have since attended two courses with the World Food Programme and also worked with the WFP in Tanzania for three months in 2008.

My contribution to the disaster relief work in Haiti will again be in ICT rather than directly with the victims of this tragedy. However information flows and the delivery of medical & food supplies now rely on ICT and I hope to make my contribution there."

Fred Tottenham, Dublin

Fred Tottenham is orginally from Inagh, Co. Clare but living in Ballsbridge in Dublin. He first deployed to Mozambique in 2007 to work as a logistician with the WFP in response to major flooding at that time.

He is now deploying for 3 months to Haiti to work with Concern also as a logistician

"Ensuring that everyone is working together is essential to making the aid response as effective as possible and avoiding a duplication of efforts."

Captain Tim O'Connor, Kilbrittain, Co. Cork

Captain Tim O'Connor is an army engineer from the Defence Forces’ Engineering Corps. He is from Kilbrittain, Co Cork and is stationed at the Naval Base in Cork. He has previously served overseas with UNMIL in Liberia and EUFOR in Bosnia and Herzogovina. Capt O’Connor formed part of the Irish Aid technical team that travelled to Haiti following the earthquake to assess the immediate needs of the Haitian people. Capt O’Connor is currently deployed with WFP as an engineer and is based in Port-au-Prince.

Mike Lee , Youghal, Co Cork

Mike Lee works for ESB Networks and lives in Cork with his wife Mary. Mike, a member of the Rapid Response Register since June 2007 outlined his experience prior to departure

“I've worked principally in Africa with Concern and also worked for a short time in 2003 in Haiti, also with Concern. I've been a member of the Rapid Response Register since June 2007 and also with the previous Rapid Response since 1998.

My current deployment is with Goal as an Emergency logistician. I'm happy to be going to Haiti and hope to make a worthwhile contribution.”

Donal Bracken, (Lt Col Retd) Monaghan Town

Donal Bracken is a retired Army Officer. He was born in Athlone, grew up in Galway, and is now living in Monaghan Town.Married to Anne Noone, Ballaghdeereen, Co. Roscommon, Donal has three children. He has previously served overseas in the Middle East, Syria, Israel, the Balkans and Ethiopia. He is also deployed with the corps before in Sudan as a Humanitarian Civil Military Coordinator for South Darfur.

Speaking ahead of his deployment, he said:

"I will be working as an Adviser to the Head of OCHA office in Haiti on matters relating to Humanitarian Civil- Military Coordination with specific emphasis on coordinating the logistical support operation with foreign forces. Notwithstanding the enormity of the task head, very humbled to be in a position to offer assistance to the people of Haiti at this time."

Captioned Photos for Download