Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

I agree absolutely with the Deputy. His point is well made and a purely military victory is bound to be pyrrhic. I also agree with the Deputy because a range of views exist within the Tamil community and clearly not everyone sought some form of military action. The Deputy is also correct to state - this is the strong view of the Government - that only through respect for human rights and parity of esteem can progress be made. That community and the Government of Sri Lanka must work closely together if any progress is to be made. I agree with the point made by the Deputy and the fact that more than 280,000 people are in what are effectively concentration camps in this day and age is simply not acceptable. As the Deputy is probably aware there has been very inclement weather in that area and the point was made by the UN that there is a very real danger of disease as we enter this particular season and people and civilians will suffer unnecessarily.

The Deputy asked if the Minister is supportive of Ban Ki-moon's efforts today in New York and I have no doubt the Minister is so but I would be misleading the House if I suggested that I knew there would be any direct contact. The Deputy may rest assured that it will become an issue at the next General Affairs and External Relations Council; we will give very strong support and we believe New York has a strong role to play.

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