Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

On the latter point, that is one of the reasons why it was suggested Ireland should not attend the recent EU-AU Summit. It was one of the reasons we were absent, at least at Head of Government level. Our view, emphatically, was that we should attend, on the basis that we need to have a better relationship with the African Union, which is doing its level best with the difficulties attendant on it, to deal with some of these issues. As the Deputy has said, the trans-border migration of tribes is not just an issue for Kenya, where there have been significant numbers of displaced peoples, but also for Chad, Sudan, Somalia and other countries.

As regards the humanitarian situation, there is no particular evidence at this time. As part of the EU, however, we shall continue to monitor developments. The situation is still serious, no doubt, but it has stabilised, despite a number of incidents in the last week or so. As regards the whole issue surrounding the term "ethnic cleansing", there is no doubt ethnic conflict is occurring. Much of this may be because the issue of the election has resurrected old scores and people, in effect, are perhaps pursuing old issues to do with land tenure. I believe this accounts for a large element of what is happening between some of the tribes. One must realise this is a very large country, with something like 40 different ethnic groupings and a population of 35 million. By and large the unrest is confined to the Rift Valley area, although in one location there are some continuing difficulties. Ultimately, the Annan process is one to which the two main political rivals seem to subscribe. A number of countries, particularly in Africa, through the African Union, are endeavouring to assist this initiative. I strongly agree with Deputy Higgins as regards the more long-term monitoring aspect of the registration process — within the election process. That is something that might, perhaps, be looked at in the context of the Annan mediation talks, and we shall raise this issue.

See this speech in context