Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Question 93: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the effect which the recent suicide bomb in the Iraqi city of Hilla, which killed at least 125 persons, will have on the prospects for stable government in the country following the recent elections; the prospects for security in Iraq following the bombing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7707/05]

Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Question 97: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the security situation in Iraq; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7588/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 93 and 97 together.

The security situation in Iraq has continued to be a source of great concern. Violent attacks in Iraq increased in intensity in the lead-up to the elections on 30 January, and have continued since. In this regard, there seems to have been a change in focus, with attacks now directed more at Iraqi officials, security forces and ordinary civilians in Shia areas, and less at international forces. Last week's horrendous bombing in Hilla, which killed at least 125 people and injured many more, is the worst instance of this pattern. The aim of these attacks seems to be to prevent the Iraqi authorities from establishing effective institutions and security forces, which would make possible the departure of international forces, and also to provoke retaliation from the Shia community.

It is more and more evident that the insurgents who carry out these brutal attacks have set themselves not only against democracy but against the Iraqi people themselves.