Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

It is true to say that the situation, as I have acknowledged, is still very insecure in that country. Equally, when the Deputy refers to the economic issues and the prevalence of narcotics, there has been a 21% reduction in land under poppy cultivation over the past year. Ireland has contributed over the past two years to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime to counter the issue of narcotics projects in this area. As for the issue of ISAF, it has been agreed that by mid-2002 it will extend into the south. Obviously, because of the existing force present under the US Administration, Operation Enduring Freedom, co-ordination is needed between the two forces in the south. As part of that, a review of the command structure will take place. UN Security Resolution 1633, which was passed in September 2005, indicates and acknowledges the need for co-operation and what is called dual-hatting of the two forces in that area.

I welcome the fact that just last week the Afghan and Pakistani presidents had a meeting. A large part of the meeting was taken up by the issue of cross-border security, which obviously needs to be addressed in the context of the continuing conflict in that particular region. Again, Ireland is coming up to the mark in this respect. We have already contributed €17 million over recent few years, all of which was pledged and delivered. Other countries pledge money and do not follow up on it. We have indicated an additional €5 million will be available for the period 2005 to 2008. We take a very constructive involvement in the reconstruction of Afghanistan. We have seven personnel from the Permanent Defence Force operating at a high level within ISAF.

Nonetheless, the Deputy is correct in what he says. In recent days there have been a number of serious incidents where people have been killed. Such incidents are the legacy of difficulties occurring over many years. Thankfully, given the change in the political landscape in Afghanistan, these issues will be addressed in the short to medium term.

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