Vol. 559 No. 5
44 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a new United Nations Security Council resolution would be necessary to authorise military action against Iraq in the event that weapons inspectors either find evidence of weapons of mass destruction or are impeded in carrying out their work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26486/02]
Security Council Resolution 1441 lays down procedures which would require the question of any Iraqi non-compliance with the terms of the resolution to be considered by a further meeting of the Security Council. It would then be for the Security Council to assess whether Iraq has failed to meet its obligations and to decide on any action that may be required. This decision might include authorising the use of force, although the Government feels this should be a matter of last resort.
