Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

An Irish passport was of great value in securing the release of Brian Keenan. Contrary to what has been stated, Ireland is a neutral country. It did not support the war in Iraq and I share the view that the war was ill-advised and the justification put forward was inadequate. However, we are in a new situation. A UN Security Council resolution in June called on all member states to facilitate the multi-national force which is there at the request of the Iraqi Government.