Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

I know the Deputy has a paranoia about the United States. I remind the Deputy that when this mission commenced the Taliban were in control in Afghanistan and women were not allowed to participate in education, were stoned for alleged misconduct and were not allowed to be seen in public without their faces being covered and wearing the hijab. Following the murderous atrocity of 11 September the United States took particular action in relation to Afghanistan.

Our participation in ISAF is based on a United Nations mandate. We continually review what is taking place there and at appropriate moments decisions will be made with regard to the seven members of the Defence Forces who are there. They are serving an important function which shows this country's willingness to participate under UN mandated missions and to make a contribution on issues of global concern. I do not believe our participation in this has been anything other than a valuable contribution to a peace mission in a very troubled area of the world.

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