Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 366: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will raise the issue of Australia's support for the war in Iraq with the Prime Minister, Mr. John Howard; and if he will urge him to end the occupation. [20384/06]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I had a very good meeting with Prime Minister Howard in Dublin on 22 May during his visit to Ireland. We discussed a wide range of foreign policy issues, including the situation in Iraq. We agreed that the confirmation of the new national unity Government in Iraq on 21 May was a very positive and significant step. We also discussed the prospects for progress in meeting the very serious challenges which face the new Government.

Irrespective of the different approaches taken at the start of the war, the presence in Iraq of the multinational force, as the Deputy will be aware, has since been mandated by the United Nations Security Council under a series of Resolutions, and responds to the request of the democratically elected Iraqi Government. It would be entirely inappropriate for the Government to urge another country against contributing to a UN-mandated force.

I look forward to the day when the Government of Iraq judges that it can ensure the security of its citizens without outside assistance. All of Iraq's political leaders have made it clear that they are working to that end. They have also made it very clear that they are not yet ready to request the withdrawal of the multinational force.