Vol. 405 No. 6
60 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, having regard to the growing number of civilian casualties resulting from the Gulf War, Ireland will now consider withdrawing its consent for the UN military action; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The United Nations Security Council adopted validly and in due from on 29 November 1990 Resolution 678 authorising member states to use "all necessary means" to implement the relevant Security Council Resolutions if Iraq failed to comply with them on or before 15 January 1991. The action now going ahead in the Gulf is in conformity with this resolution.
Under Article 25 of the Charter members of the UN, including Ireland, agree to accept and carry out the decisions of the Security Council in accordance with the provisions of the Charter.
Resolution 678 also requests all states to provide appropriate support for the actions undertaken in pursuance of the resolution.
As explained by the Taoiseach in the Dáil on 18 January this is the basis of our approach to the Gulf crisis and Ireland has no intention of departing from that approach.
