asked the Minister for External Affairs if, in view of the recent statements by U Thant, Secretary General of the United Nations, on the increasing violence in the Middle East war zone and the future role of the UN peace-keeping force there, he, or any member of or representatives of the Government, have made any representations to the United Nations concerning the safety of the 20 Irish Army officers in the area and the 11 who are stationed in the Suez zone in particular.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Personnel in Middle East.
32.
Following an approach made on instructions by our permanent mission, we received an assurance from the United Nations Secretariat that the United Nations are taking all possible measures to protect the observers and preserve their status.
Has the Minister any comment to make on the statement by the Egyptian Government to the effect that there was a state of war between Egypt and Israel? In these circumstances does he think that these 20 Irish Army officers should still be there?
I am assured by the Secretariat of the UN that they are taking all possible measures to protect the interests of these officers.