Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 14: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs Ireland and the EU's views of the latest circumstances in Afghanistan regarding the ongoing crisis there particularly in view of recent reports of further deaths amongst the civilian population and at a NATO soldier base; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4319/07]

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 65: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the political and security situation in Afghanistan; the further steps that will be taken to increase peace and political stability in the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3943/07]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 65 together.

While significant progress has been achieved in Afghanistan, considerable challenges still remain. The reform process in the country is continuing with the assistance of the international community, and it is vitally important that the progress made since 2002 is consolidated.

The security situation in Afghanistan remains a cause of serious concern. There has been a substantial increase in insurgent activity in 2006. Attacks by groups linked to the Taliban have continued, though at a lower level throughout the winter months. The International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan (ISAF) has engaged in heavy fighting with Taliban insurgents in the South, and has been able to establish itself in former key centres of Taliban resistance. ISAF have also continued operations with a view to preventing the Taliban taking new positions in Southern Afghanistan ahead of an expected increase in insurgent activity in the spring.

A key issue has been engaging Afghanistan's neighbours in actively supporting stability in Afghanistan and ensuring that militants are given no safe haven. It is important that Afghanistan and Pakistan and the international community work together to actively address the problem of cross border insurgent activity.

ISAF is now operating throughout all of Afghanistan, working to provide security and stability. It seeks to protect the welfare of civilians, both on humanitarian grounds, and because the support of the people is vital to the success of their mission. Seven members of the Irish Defence Forces currently serve in ISAF, based in Kabul.

It is important to remember that security and stability in Afghanistan cannot be achieved by military means alone. Long-term success will depend on significant improvements in governance and prompt delivery of humanitarian and reconstruction assistance.

Ireland has contributed a total of €31 million in humanitarian and development assistance since 2000. Ireland's assistance in support of recovery and development programmes is delivered through the World Bank, UN Agencies and civil society.

At the meeting of the EU-Afghanistan Troika on 29 January, the EU underlined its readiness to continue to work with the Government of Afghanistan to stabilise and rebuild the country through addressing issues of both security and development. In this regard, the EU is currently considering a substantial increase in its support for training the Afghan police force, in line with the recommendations of a Fact-Finding Mission to Afghanistan in November/December 2006.