Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

Part of the meeting between the two presidents was concerned with this issue. This is something the UN takes quite seriously and significant resources are being deployed to stop the trade. It is a scourge and not just for that part of the region. These narcotics get into this part of the world and beyond. It is in all our interests to ensure that every effort is made to crack down on this as much as possible. This is one of the reasons for the significant level of international involvement. Some 36 countries are involved in ISAF and Operation Enduring Freedom, which is present as well, will remain for some time. This has been acknowledged and a number of countries have pledged continual military resources to assist the Afghan people in building its own national security and police system. This is required to ensure that a stable regime continues and that the issue of narcotics is dealt with locally.

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