Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

I thank the Leader for presenting the motion, and the Minister for attending. I wish him well in his endeavours to bring whatever degree of progress he can to this sad situation. I would like to add to what he has said, but we all speak with one voice. We are so far removed from the situation in Iraq it is difficult to know what to say and more difficult to know what to do. I take on board his point that those working in Iraq with local knowledge are the best people from whom to take advice. I wish him well in working with such groups.

This is a difficult issue for us to address because we must know our limitations in what we can say or do. It must be an awful time for the family of Margaret Hassan. Her abduction, while not the first such abduction in the past number of months, is a new low in that the person has given a lifetime of work and service to the people of Iraq.

Kidnapping and abductions are appalling and dreadful acts. This is even more shameful because of her background. She has deep links with Iraq and holds Iraqi citizenship. We must recognise she has Irish citizenship, but also that she Iraqi citizenship. It is important that we try to listen to what her colleagues and friends in Iraq say.

This abduction is a major news story, not just in Ireland and Europe, but also in Iraq. There were pictures in the past 24 hours of patients at a Baghdad hospital protesting against her abduction. They obviously knew her track record and were trying to send their own message. It was a powerful image to send to her captors. They wanted Margaret released immediately.

We do not know who is responsible for her abduction. Over the past couple of months, various organisations have been involved in kidnapping. Some of the kidnappings have resulted in tragic murders. Fortunately, on a few occasions, people have been released. Let us hope and pray this is one of the cases where the result will be successful and happy.

Margaret's career in Iraq has been outlined by the Minister and many speakers in both Houses. Her work with Care International has provided significant help to the citizens of Iraq on a daily basis. It is a tragedy that as a result of this abduction the work of Care International is suspended. Our hopes and prayers are with Mrs. Hassan and her family. The message is sent from this House that Mrs. Hassan, a humanitarian worker who has given her life to the people of Iraq, should be released immediately.