Vol. 404 No. 6
14 Mr. McCartan asked the Taoiseach his views on whether a role could be played by the Irish Red Cross or medical personnel of the Defence Forces in assisting casualties from both sides in the current Gulf War; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
15 Mr. McCartan asked the Taoiseach if any section of the Defence Forces has received a request for assistance, either direct or indirect, from any of the countries participating in the Gulf War; the response to any such request; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 15 together.
The International Committee of the Red Cross and the League of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies have recently appealed to the Irish Red Cross Society for the provision of resources to assist in the Gulf War. This request will be examined by the society. No request for assistance involving the Defence Forces has been received.
Will the Taoiseach confirm that should any such request for assistance be tendered to the Government it will in fact be refused?
No, I would not confirm anything of the kind. Any request we receive in regard to this tragic situation in the Gulf will have to be of necessity considered very carefully and maturely.
I would draw the Taoiseach's attention specifically to Question No. 15 which relates to a request for assistance either direct or indirect from the Defence Forces. Is the Taoiseach suggesting to the House that there is remaining open in Government policy and attitude the possibility of deploying members of the Defence Forces in aid of any of the parties or combatants in the present troubles?
Certainly not. I made it clear in my statement that we have no intention of becoming a belligerent or participating in hostilities. Outside that there are many humanitarian areas in which we could be helpful and if we are requested to do so we will consider it.
In view of the recent announcement that United States B 52s will be stationed in the United Kingdom, may I ask the Taoiseach whether it is intended to provide overflight permissions for such bombers through Irish air space?
That is clearly a separate matter.
I wish to deal with Question No. 14. May I ask the Taoiseach whether he or the Government intend to consult with the Irish Red Cross Society with a view to offering through them, or offering directly through the Defence Forces, the Government or whatever agency, humanitarian aid, for example by the deployment of personnel to man a field hospital in the area or are we leaving the matter entirely in the hands of the Red Cross?
Of course, we are consulting with the Red Cross about the request. There have been two requests to us, as I have already explained to the House: there is one request from the International Red Cross to the Irish Red Cross and there is another request from the UN Disaster Relief Fund. Both these requests are under active consideration at the moment. The Government are also considering carefully and watching developments to see if there is any other way in which this country can be of humanitarian assistance in this tragic situation.
Would the Taoiseach agree that it seems we are somewhat slow — perhaps the Taoiseach could advise us when the requests were made — in that many other European countries are already actively assisting on the ground? Would it not be a good signal from the Government and from this country if we were seen to be more quickly and more actively involved in the humanitarian area?
We are already, of course, involved through the United Nations in looking after refugees, but as yet we have had no particular requests for additional assistance of any kind. We have been carefully considering what sort of assistance we can give in a number of different areas, for instance the question of throwing our hospitals open for the receipt of the wounded from both sides. Questions like that are under constant examination and consideration by the Government.
