Trevor Sargent
Question:159 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the involvement the Government is willing to have in terms of resolving the crisis in Iraq; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21151/03]
Written Answers. - Foreign Conflicts.
On a political level, we are involved in attempts to resolve the crisis in Iraq through our participation in international and European fora. Ireland is no longer a member of the Security Council, having completed our term. However, we still have a role to play through ministerial and official level meetings with parties concerned and in the activities of the European Union.
We have been active within the EU in efforts to formulate a common position on the reconstruction of Iraq and in discussions at international level. We hope that the process for the reconstruction of Iraq which is under way will have made significant progress before Ireland takes over the EU Presidency in January. Reaching agreement on the process of restoring sovereignty to the Iraqi people will in any case be a key aim.
We have already made a practical contribution on a humanitarian level. Last March, Ireland announced a €5 million funding package for Iraq to be delivered via the Red Cross family, UNICEF, WFP, Trócaire, Concern and GOAL. The key focus of this assistance is emergency support for health services, water and sanitation, food assistance and support for internally displaced persons. Funding was also provided for the United Nations humanitarian co-ordination efforts. Ireland's funding will continue to be focused on meeting basic needs within the humanitarian context.