Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am just asking the Tánaiste what is happening at EU level in regard to it. Is it up for discussion as part of the bilateral discussions with Russia? This is very pertinent given our interest in the case.

The final issue I wish to raise concerns Iraq and Iran. At a dinner three years ago at which Mr. Dick Cheney was present, I had the opportunity to raise the Iraq-Iran situation. Mr. Cheney conceded that Iran was a bigger threat than Iraq. The intervention by the United States and the United Kingdom in Iraq was strongly criticised by many Members in these Houses. The states that intervened now have a responsibility not to leave Iraq as the basket case it seems to be turning into. Many Members present, including some of my colleagues, predicted this would happen. I ask that this be pursued at EU level because there is an absolute responsibility on the United States and the United Kingdom to ensure Iraq is left in at least no worse a condition than it was in when they entered or, if possible, a better condition.