Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 224: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will support a matter (details supplied). [37667/09]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Government is concerned about the recent reports of violent incidents in Camp Ashraf and also the more general predicament of its residents.

Camp Ashraf is home to over 3,000 members of the People's Mujahideen of Iran (PMOI), an Iranian opposition group that established itself in Iraq in 1986 at the invitation of Saddam Hussein. However, following the war in 2003 and the collapse of the previous regime, Iraq's new Government have made clear their unhappiness at the continued presence in Iraq of the PMOI.

Camp Ashraf and its inhabitants were afforded protection by the US military when the US occupied Iraq in 2003. Earlier this year the Iraqi Government resumed full control of responsibility for security in Iraq from the US military. It is therefore incumbent upon the Iraqi authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of those still living in the Camp and to prevent the recurrence of violence such as that which took place recently (after residents had clashed with Iraqi police following an attempt to establish a police station in the Camp). A positive development in this regard has been the release of 36 camp residents initially detained by Iraqi security forces last July and their safe return to the camp.

The determination of the Iraqi authorities to establish sovereign control throughout their territory and to resist the establishment of any "no-go" areas is understandable. The critical point, however, is that there must be no question of a forcible return to Iran of the residents of the Camp. The Iraqi authorities have so far stated that they have no intention of doing this.

This year the Government, through Irish Aid, provided €200,000 in support to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for its programming in Iraq. This includes emergency assistance to those affected by the conflict as well as the promotion of international humanitarian law and protection activities, such as visits to detainees. The ICRC regularly visits Camp Ashraf in fulfilment of its protection mandate, and has regularly reminded the authorities of their obligation to ensure that those living in the Camp have access to such basic necessities as food, water and medical care.

The Government will continue to follow developments closely, both regarding the future of the Camp and the wider security situation in Iraq itself.