I propose to take Questions Nos. 29, 58 and 60 together.
I am aware of the concern expressed by the Secretary General of the United Nations regarding the death of civilians resulting from the bombing attacks on Iraq. As the Secretary General pointed out, the physical dangers from bombing are compounded by the hazards to public health that are daily growing more acute in the absence of electricity and the increasing shortage of clean water. The implications for the innocent and especially vulnerable groups such as women, children and the elderly are particularly disturbing.
I believe that all Members of this House cannot but be saddened and concerned at these reports of civilian casualties and at the risks to which civilians have been exposed. Deputies will recall the hope expressed by the Government in the debate in this House on 18 January that the war would be of short duration and that there would be a minimum of casualties. The longer the war goes on, and particularly if there should be a ground attack, the greater becomes the danger that more civilians will be caught up in the violence.
I would like to emphasise that I share with Deputies and all Irish people the profound sense of regret at the effect of this tragedy on the peoples of Iraq and Kuwait. I believe that the way to help them is to bring the war to a conclusion as soon as possible. As the Government have repeatedly emphasised, it is in the hands of the Iraqi leadership to spare their own people and the other peoples in the region further misery and destruction by complying with Security Council resolutions and withdrawing from Kuwait.
