Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

Regarding the speculation alluded to by the Deputy, agreement will be difficult to reach and if it is not reached, hard choices will have to be made. Ireland is ready to play a full part in efforts to resolve this issue with our European partners and the international community. Since August we have increased our presence on the ground; 270 troops are now attached to KFOR and Ireland has taken command of the task force centre.

The Deputy mentioned our position on the UN resolution. It is clear that, in the absence of a new resolution, there will be complex political and legal issues to be considered by member states. To answer another of the Deputy's questions, I hope the European Union will adopt a single cohesive approach because to do otherwise would be damaging. Like other member states, we will have to reflect carefully on all the issues that arise and prepare to deal with whatever situation will face us. We do not wish to be diverted by speculation and are committed, not only because 270 troops are on the ground but because we have made a commitment to put members of the Garda Síochána in place. One hopes sanity will prevail.

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