Willie Penrose
Question:23 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the efforts made to assist efforts to secure the release of a person (details supplied) in Iraq; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30093/04]
View answerWednesday, 24 November 2004
Questions (35, 36)
Pat Rabbitte
Question:101 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the outcome of his meeting on 2 November 2004 with relatives of a person (details supplied). [27853/04]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 23 and 101 together.
I regret that my response to these questions is given in the most tragic of circumstances. Last week, as the Taoiseach informed the House, all reports suggested that Margaret Hassan had been killed by her abductors, despite the hopes and prayers of everyone that she would be released. Deputies were unanimous in their condemnation of this appalling act and in their admiration for Margaret Hassan's life and work. There was unanimous praise also for the courageous and dignified manner in which her husband and family have dealt with their ordeal during recent weeks.
I know that Margaret's family are very grateful for all the efforts made on her behalf since her abduction. Her husband Tahseen has said that he greatly appreciates the support of the Government, the Oireachtas and the Irish people over the past four weeks.
Against this sad background, I will briefly summarise the efforts made by the Government on Margaret's behalf. From the moment we learned of her abduction, we established regular contacts with her family and provided liaison officers to assist them here in Ireland and in the UK. In addition to working closely with the British Government, diplomatic contacts were established and maintained with key Governments and organisations in the Middle East. Appeals were made for her release which secured widespread coverage in Iraq and the region around it. In this regard, I note in particular the Taoiseach's appeal made alongside Margaret's family when he and I met them here in Dublin on 2 November last.
At all times, the Government was guided by Margaret's family and by those on the ground in Iraq, including Care International. It, too, has lost a most special and talented humanitarian, as have her fellow Iraqi people.
Unfortunately, all of these efforts have not brought about a positive conclusion in this case. I repeat what was said in this House last week: if she has been killed, her family have one remaining wish, to have her returned to her family so they can bid her farewell. I join with them in this final appeal.