Joe O'Toole (Independent)

——and we are absolutely opposed to the involvement of the US and the UK. While we hold no brief for the former President of Iraq and welcome his removal, the current situation is unacceptable, as was the manner in which he was taken out. We have great sympathy for the people of Iraq at this time. While we could never support, justify or vindicate in any way the ultra-judiciary actions that have taken place in the form of kidnappings, assassinations and murders, which are completely wrong and always will be completely wrong, we should also acknowledge the frustration the ordinary people of Iraq are experiencing. We should make the strongest appeal to those holding this innocent woman, who has been spent her life helping the people of Iraq, to show her mercy and release her back to her family. The world is watching and there is nothing to be gained by holding her. The people holding her should show an understanding of her circumstances and what she has done. I ask that this is brought to the attention of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, although it might be easier to ask him to come to the House to indicate his views. While he has indicated his views publicly, it is important that the Taoiseach and Ireland take a public position on the matter also.