Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

I value this opportunity to address the Seanad on this very difficult and distressing situation, the abduction of Mrs. Margaret Hassan, a very dedicated and widely admired humanitarian who was kidnapped in Iraq a number of days ago. As Senators are aware, the Dáil yesterday unanimously passed a resolution condemning this appalling act and calling for Mrs. Hassan's immediate release. This unanimity and the deep concern expressed by all sides of the Dáil and Seanad reflect the deep concern of all our people. I welcome and applaud the decision of the Seanad to have an early debate on this issue.

Yesterday, the Taoiseach and I stated that the Government would do everything in its power to assist the safe return of Mrs. Hassan to her family. In my statement to the Dáil I said that I had contacted her husband and her immediately family in Ireland, as well as governments and organisations in the region that might be of assistance. Overnight, we have been in discussion with the Egyptian and Jordanian Governments and also our Arab League contacts. Later today we will continue these efforts. I will be discussing the case in detail with the Foreign Minister of Palestine, Dr. Shaath. I know he will share my strong view that Mrs. Hassan should be released immediately.

I know I do not need to emphasise to Senators the great sensitivity attaching to the efforts to have Mrs. Hassan released. In this regard, we will be guided by the views and advice of those on the ground in Iraq. They are best placed to advise us on further efforts.

I spoke with her husband and her family in this country. They appreciate the efforts Ireland is making and emphasised the need, in this country, for privacy and space so they can come to terms with the situation. Her husband also emphasised, and was proud of the fact, that he holds an Irish passport. He regards his wife as an Irish citizen and regards our efforts as possibly the best currently being made. He emphasised the best way to secure her release is to use contacts on the ground, in particular NGOs and especially Care International and Iraqi personnel.

The Government's position on abductions and the taking of hostages has always been crystal clear. Such acts are deplorable and can never be justified. In this instance, it has happened to a person who has devoted her life to providing humanitarian assistance to the neediest people in a country devastated in recent years by war and deprivation. At the Baghdad office of Care International, Mrs. Hassan and 30 Iraqi staff do everything possible, on a daily basis, to provide emergency relief, medical aid and assistance in restoring access to clean water.

Care International is one of the world's largest independent global relief and development organisations. It is resolutely non-political and non-sectarian, and operates in over 72 countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Middle East and eastern Europe. Of its approximately 10,000 employees, more than 9,000 are nationals of countries where the programmes are run. Margaret Hassan is the leading member of that group of 9,000. She is an Iraqi citizen working in an all-Iraqi office, doing everything she can to help Iraqi people. It is therefore all the more shocking that such a dedicated person should be subjected to this inhumane treatment. My officials are in close contact with the chief executive of Care International and we will continue to review all aspects of the situation with him.

Public opinion reflects this sense of outrage. The Seanad brings its own distinctive contribution to public debate in Ireland, and it is right that it should also take this opportunity to address the issue.

In my statement yesterday, I noted, with concern, the erosion of respect for humanitarian personnel as witnessed in recent conflicts. Other speakers in the Dáil echoed this concern. It is particularly disturbing. In my discussions with Kofi Annan last week regarding the possibility of UN personnel returning to Iraq following the murder and maiming of some of their staff in August of last year, he illustrated the difficulty the organisation has in going back in to that situation. The security required to protect personnel must be resolute. Before the abduction of Margaret Hassan, efforts to return UN staff to Baghdad were unfortunately put back because of explosions in the Green Zone, where it was intended these personnel should go. These explosions and the abduction of Margaret Hassan will further delay the possibility of UN staff returning to Baghdad. It is reprehensible and will ultimately lead to worse conditions for the Iraqis.

Margaret Hassan's abduction highlights the enormous dangers facing those who engage in providing humanitarian services in Iraq. In my appeal to those who abducted her to set her free, I pointed out that her abduction could serve no purpose whatsoever. On the contrary, it can only damage and disrupt the valuable work done by humanitarian organisations in Iraq and directly harm the lives of thousands of Iraqis in need of help.

When I spoke to Margaret's husband yesterday, to convey the concern and solidarity of the Government, the Dáil and the people of Ireland, he was deeply appreciative of our support which he emphasised was extremely important to him and his family. This is a dreadful time for the family, friends and colleagues of Margaret Hassan. I hope the widespread concern and outrage felt by us all at this appalling act will be widely heard and have some effect. The family are deeply grateful for our efforts, and they are equally appreciative of the respect shown for their privacy. In order to assist them, a senior official of my Department has travelled to Kerry and will act as a liaison support to the family. The Garda has also been asked to assist and has been helpful and supportive.

I assure the House we will continue with our diplomatic efforts to secure Margaret's release. I thank the Seanad for taking this timely and valued opportunity to show our concern and solidarity on behalf of the Irish people. As some Senators may have heard on "Morning Ireland", a close friend of Margaret Hassan confirmed the unanimous support of the Dáil was something her friends cherish and believe will be significant in possibly securing her release. Equally, I thank the Seanad for giving us the opportunity to be able to say that both Houses of the Oireachtas, as representatives of the people of Ireland, speak with one voice against the abduction of Margaret Hassan. Hopefully all efforts will bring about her early release.