Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 14 May 1991

Vol. 408 No. 4

Written Answers. - Aid for Shi'ite Refugees.

Roger T. Garland

Ceist:

50 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline the current situation in Southern Iraq regarding the Shi'ites and the international moves which are afoot to ensure their safety; and if he will further outline the efforts being made by the Government in this matter.

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Collins)

The Iraqi authorities brutally repressed the uprising which followed the Gulf War in both Southern and Northern Iraq, causing many of the inhabitants to flee the country. The population of Southern Iraq is largely Shi'ite.

Resolution 688 adopted by the UN Security Council on 5 April 1991 condemned the repression of the Iraqi civilian population in many parts of Iraq, demanded that Iraq immediately end this repression and expressed the hope that an open dialogue would take place to ensure that the human and political rights of all Iraqi citizens are respected. It also insisted that Iraq allow immediate access by international humanitarian organisations to all those in need of assistance in all parts of Iraq and make available all necessary facilities for their operations.

We joined with our Community partners in early April in condemning Iraq's brutal repression of both Kurds and Shi'ites. This statement again reminded Iraq that only the path of dialogue with all the parties concerned will allow the shaping of a renewed Iraq, united and respectful of the legitimate aspirations of the population groups of which the country is made up. We will continue to press for this.

I have placed copies of the Security Council Resolution and of the Statement by the Community and its member states in the Library of the House.

As to humanitarian aid I would refer the Deputy to my reply to a question from Deputy O'Keeffe on 23 April in which I provided details of the official aid given by the Government to relieve the plight of Iraqi refugees. To date Ireland has contributed £1.235 million most of which has gone to Iraqi refugees in Iran, who, of course, include Shi'ites as well as Kurds.