Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 357: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied) in Iraq; and if the Iraqi people are aware he is an Irish citizen. [30773/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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We were all delighted by the release of Mr. Rory Carroll. I share the enormous sense of relief felt by all people in Ireland at his release and I pay tribute to the dignity and composure of theCarroll family throughout the whole ordeal and under such pressure.

I take this opportunity to record the Government's and my own appreciation to all who helped achieve this happy outcome. In particular, we have maintained the closest contact with a number of our EU partners, Britain, France and Italy, whose co-operation, both in their capitals and on the ground in Baghdad, has been quite outstanding. I have written to the British Foreign Secretary, Mr. Jack Straw, and to Foreign Ministers Philippe Douste-Blazy and Gianfranco Fini of France and Italy respectively, to express our deep appreciation for their efforts. In addition, I thank the opposition parties for their co-operation throughout. Likewise, the interim Iraqi Government and the Iranians were helpful. I also thank the Muslim community in Dublin for its concern and support.

Throughout the 36 hours that Rory Carroll was abducted, the Government used every opportunity to emphasise his Irishness. To cover all eventualities, the Taoiseach and I decided, based on professional advice from Baghdad, to put an Irish team, led by a senior ambassador and including Garda and Defence Forces personnel, on the ground in Iraq. We believed it was vital to have our people on the spot to ensure our input into discussions and decision making in Baghdad. The team would have remained in constant contact with the Government.