Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)

I am grateful the Minister is taking the two questions together. Question No. 139 asked him to state unequivocally that the Government's view was that the war was illegal and without mandate. He may wish to return to this question. It is not a case of Ireland being unable to participate in the absence of a resolution; it is a case of Ireland being required out of respect for international law to condemn a war that was illegal and without mandate.

I am grateful to the Minister for giving the tragic estimate of 80,000 to 90,000 for the number of civilians killed, although he agrees it is not possible to be precise. I am concerned that part of his reply seems to suggest that what is called the "surge" is having an effect. There is considerable evidence to suggest its effect is quite limited.

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