Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

In my last question, I asked whether we would be taking the troops out in October. I did not realise that there would be a subsequent question on this matter. The Minister of State is saying that this is unlikely to happen at this stage.

We need to make things clearer regarding our neutrality. Having troops in Afghanistan does not necessarily do much for our neutral stance on these matters. I do not see much logic in having troops there at any time given that most of the western powers are already planning to pull out with their tails between their legs. I acknowledge the fact that their mission failed, that it was a serious waste of money and lives and that they have probably left the place worse than they found it, as the Russians did before them. It would be very positive if we did not let it go past October.

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