Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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141. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will raise, at EU and UN level, the matter of women and children being killed by US drones in Pakistan (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30954/14]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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The Government remains 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.

Ireland, together with our EU partners, has regular discussions with the US about the legal aspects of combating international terrorism.