Noel Treacy (Galway East, Fianna Fail)

I welcome this opportunity to address the House on behalf of the Government on the situation in Iraq. I always enjoy coming to the House, for which I have the utmost regard. I take its Members, its motions and its business very seriously.

I know that there is a real sense of concern in the House at recent developments. Attention has naturally focused on the series of disturbing allegations of human rights abuses and on the terrible daily toll of human suffering wrought by shooting and bomb attacks against ordinary civilians. This Private Members' motion raises important issues. The amendment submitted by the Government addresses these issues and places them in context.