Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 27 May 2003

Vol. 567 No. 5

Written Answers. - Foreign Conflicts.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

229 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the advice his Department is giving to Iraqi nationals who live here but who want to return to their country; if his Department is offering assistance to Iraqis who wish to settle back and in particular to those who wish to gain employment in the reconstruction of the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14625/03]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

I very much hope that, as the situation in Iraq continues to stabilise, all Iraqis living abroad who wish to return to their country will be able to do so and to live in freedom and prosperity. It is not for the Department of Foreign Affairs, however, to advise Iraqi nationals on whether they should return to Iraq at this time, nor are there any funds available to the Department for this purpose.