Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

Does the Minister agree that this type of exploitation of children is unacceptable and what will he do about it at United Nations level? Does the Minister accept that these young boys and girls should be in school receiving education, playing games and living a normal childhood rather than finding themselves conscripted as child soldiers? What specific targets should the UN have? Can 50% of these 11,000 children be placed in education and proper care by 2007? What investment is being spent on these children by the EU, the UN and others? What role do drugs play? Many of these children are souped up on drugs which causes a level of violence rarely seen anywhere in the world.

I welcome the Minister pointing out that anyone who involves children under 15 years of age in such activities is committing a war crime. It is unacceptable that in 2006, 11,000 children are being exploited in such a manner. I welcome the €500,000 donation from Ireland to combat this problem, but to help these children who are seriously at risk, the EU and United Nations must put proper investment in place.

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