I want to raise an issue which should unite and not divide the House. Yesterday, we learned of the kidnapping in Baghdad of an Irish citizen, Mrs. Margaret Hassan. Mrs. Hassan, as the House will know, is the chief in Iraq of the British based charity, CARE International. Mrs. Hassan has shown absolute commitment and selfless generosity towards the Iraqi people for many years. Her kidnapping is an appalling crime against a woman who has given years of service to her adopted country.

In saying this and in uniting the House, I have several questions for the Taoiseach. What is the current level of diplomatic contact between Ireland and Iraq? Is it known to Government sources what organisation or body is responsible for the kidnap of Mrs. Hassan? Is it known to Government whether contacts exist between the provisional Iraqi Government and this group, or are there unofficial contacts with or lines of communication to this group? In that sense, the Taoiseach might outline the efforts being made by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Government to secure the safe and early release of Margaret Hassan.

I and the House join with Deputy Kenny in expressing sympathy to the family of Margaret Hassan. This is a terrible deed against her family, the CARE International community and all of her friends, of which she has many in this country as well as her family in Kerry and London. Margaret Hassan was born in Dublin but also has British citizenship and under the law in Iraq 20 years ago, when working in Baghdad, she had to take Iraqi citizenship also. All three countries, therefore, will work to assist her.

We have spoken directly to the family and our officials have spoken to her husband. All diplomatic channels are being used, in particular those in the British system as they have links to the authorities in Baghdad. However, we also have direct links to Margaret's husband and to her family here in Ireland.

It is not yet known what group is directly involved but, as with a number of recent cases, there is a range of organisations and it is probably within that grouping. Late into the night and early this morning, efforts continued to be made by the Department of Foreign Affairs, the British Foreign Secretary, Mr. Jack Straw, and others in Baghdad to try to form a contact link.

All recent kidnap victims have been decent and innocent people. Margaret Hassan did not take any precautions and was engaged at all times in working for the Iraqi people through her humanitarian work in Baghdad. She is a part of the biggest humanitarian organisation in the world, which is working to provide relief measures and promote co-operation. She was involved in organising medical relief for Basra and other areas, and is well known on the ground through her humanitarian work. She is also well known for her mobility because, in spite of everything that has been happening, she continued to act as a link. She is not just a person working as part of an aid team but is well known because she has been working in this area for over 20 years, and is known by most of the activist groups in the area. This is why people are baffled that she should be taken. I assure the House that, for our part, we will do everything we can to assist in her early release.

I thank the Taoiseach for outlining the efforts the Government has made to date in this regard. Does the Government intend to issue a statement in respect of the presence of other Irish citizens in Iraq indicating concern that other unfortunate kidnappings might take place? Is it intended, for instance, that the Minister for Foreign Affairs might consider issuing an Irish passport if that were so desired by the Hassan family, and to which Mrs. Hassan is properly entitled? I was struck by the words of her husband when he said that Margaret was and is loved by all the Iraqi people. I share the Taoiseach's view of the validity of the great work she has done in Iraq over many years.

This is not an issue to divide the House but a matter of Irish unity on an issue that concerns us all. In that respect, I suggest that the House be suspended at some time during the day so that all Members, of all parties and none, could send a statement of absolute, unanimous support for the diplomatic efforts of the Government, by whatever contact, to secure the safe and early release of Margaret Hassan. It would strengthen the call, which the Irish people and we, their representatives, can validly say is in everybody's interest. We had a very unfortunate experience recently. In that context I respectfully suggest that the Taoiseach suspend business at an appropriate time during the day for a very short debate by which we could get unanimous support for the efforts of Government to secure Mrs. Hassan's early release to her husband and family.

Let me reassure Deputy Kenny that diplomatic efforts will continue. The Minister for Foreign Affairs will be meeting the Secretary of State, Mr. Paul Murphy, later today on other business and will also deal with this issue. We will also keep in touch with the British authorities who have people on the ground.

On the question of Irish citizens in the area, since the conflict began instructions have been given regarding the safety of Irish citizens in Iraq. However, many of the Irish citizens there are married to Iraqis and do not wish to leave. Iraq is their home, their life, and we must understand and appreciate that.

It has been stated in international circles that this action is unusual in terms of the recent actions against workers and contractors. While they were 100% wrong and everybody everywhere condemns them, it represents a change in emphasis to take somebody who would almost certainly have been known to the people involved. Most of these groups would know Mrs. Hassan because she is a key activist and has been openly engaged in the movement of medicines and other issues in the past few years. Perhaps that is the reason they questioned her. She had not taken any security precautions and continued to do this work. That is what makes this action all the more grave.

I agree with the proposal that we should have a short debate and pass a unanimous resolution of the House which we can then get into the Middle East network where it will at least be acknowledged. That will be arranged today.