Joanna Tuffy (Labour)

I welcome the Minister of State and his efforts regarding aid which he outlined. The Government and some Fine Gael Senators seem ambiguous about or at least resigned to the war. The war may be taking place but it is still wrong and unacceptable. It is still illegal and Ireland must make a stand in that regard. We need further debate on this aspect of the war, which is also relevant to the debate on the humanitarian consequences. It is war which causes the need for aid. The war poses a risk to the stability of the world in addition to the risks it poses to the lives of Iraqis.

The Minister of State mentioned the Oil for Food Programme and my colleague, Deputy Michael D. Higgins, has pointed out the difficulties for Iraqis in accessing that aid. He said the best way to bring in humanitarian aid is to end the war. Ireland can take the initiative at Security Council level by seeking intervention from that body to end the war. I also support Deputy Higgins's comments requiring the examination of compliance with the fourth Geneva Convention regarding damage to infrastructure needed for children.

I agree with the Minister of State and other speakers who said we should object to the militarisation of aid. I also agree that aid should be provided through UN organisations and NGOs. We must ensure that aid is not abused but gets to the people who need it. There should be no diversion of aid from other programmes; the money provided should be additional funding.