Seanad debates

Wednesday, 2 April 2003

Humanitarian Crisis in Iraq: Statements.

 

I mentioned earlier how the Oireachtas and in a sense the country itself is divided on this issue, but as Kofi Annan said to the United Nations, we have it in our power to either deepen these divisions or to start the healing process. We in Fine Gael strongly believe that the huge humanitarian effort which must start immediately, and which will take many months and perhaps years to complete, is the best possible way to start the healing of these divisions, within the EU and the United Nations. It is important that we can speak with one voice in both Houses on this fundamental issue of aid, and that the moneys which will be made available will be additional, not money directed from other relief programmes. I welcome the commitment by the Minister of State and the Government to allocate the initial €5 million, and I hope it is an initial sum and that more money will be provided.

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