Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

That brings me to my next question. I am as strong an advocate as anybody about the importance of the relationship between Ireland and the United States. We have umbilical ties extending back hundreds of years, as well as strong trade relations. Obviously, large numbers of Irish people are based in the United States and Irish companies employ 100,000 people in the United States, while American companies employ approximately the same number here in Ireland. Consequently, our relationships are very important. However, in respect of international law and our having declared ourselves to be a neutral country, the United States took part in a war on Iraq after the attacks on 11 September 2001 that was not sanctioned by the United Nations. It was an initiative the United States took with some other countries in its own right. Undoubtedly, large numbers of troops who were involved in that conflict passed through Ireland while on their way into Iraq. Many of them stayed overnight, had food and so on and were wearing military uniforms before continuing on their way.

I make the point that neutrality is precious to the Irish people. I refer to positive neutrality, which means taking part in United Nations peacekeeping missions or being involved in conflict resolution. For example, as we speak, we are involved in conflict resolution in the Basque country, Colombia and Sri Lanka. Third, in respect of foreign affairs, no country over the past ten years has given more to overseas aid, per head of capita, than have the Irish people. Therefore, we are involved in positive neutrality or that is how it is perceived. How does the approach of positive neutrality then marry with the fact that Ireland allowed in large numbers of US troops on their way to Iraq in an operation that was not sanctioned by the United Nations?