Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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54. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has raised the subject regarding US drone attacks in Pakistan which have killed 4,000 men, women and children; if he will also raise this matter at the United Nations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21874/13]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The Government is deeply concerned by instances where innocent civilians, including children, have been killed by drone attacks. In line with the UN Global Strategy on Counter Terrorism, we believe that effective counter terrorism and the protection and promotion of human rights are mutually reinforcing and not competing goals. Ireland has consistently taken the view that combating terrorism must be conducted in full respect of international law, in particular the law of armed conflict and human rights law. The law of armed conflict sets specific requirements to the use of force, including the principles of necessity, proportionality and distinction.