Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his response, but I wish to raise broader issues and ask him about the role of Irish troops in Afghanistan. Does he accept that many people have concerns about their role in this very complex conflict? Is he aware that these concerns arise because, as he mentioned, these are NATO-led forces. Many respect the Irish Defence Forces for their role in peacekeeping around the world.

Another issue which arose in a previous question concerns whether the Minister is also aware of the fact that there are significant civilian casualties every day in Afghanistan. Three weeks ago ten young children were massacred in a drone attack by NATO-led forces and there was no reaction from any government, the European Union and the western media regarding these young people who were blown to bits. I notice that the figures for the past three years show the loss in the region of 600 innocent people.

Does the Minister share my deep concern that in such a situation Irish troops could find themselves being drawn in and that we might lose the respect we have built as an international peacekeeper in the past 40 or 50 years?

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