Vol. 358 No. 13
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in view of the continuing acts of aggression by Israeli troops and Israeli backed forces against Irish troops serving with the UNIFIL, the Government will review its decision to invite the President of Israel to make an official visit to this country.
583.
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if dates have been agreed for the proposed official visit to Ireland by the President of Israel; if so, the dates on which the visit will take place; the proposed programme for the visit; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 582 and 583 together.
President Chaim Herzog has been officially invited to visit Ireland. President Herzog, born in Belfast and raised in Dublin and son of a former Chief Rabbi of Ireland, is a distinguished personality. The Government believe that it is proper that we should welcome his return to Ireland. The visit will take place from 17 to 21 June 1985. Details of the programme will be available later. I hope that nothing will occur in the coming weeks, particularly in the context of Lebanon and our soldiers serving with UNIFIL, which would mar the atmosphere for the visit.
As regards the incidents which have occurred involving Irish and Israeli troops, my Department has maintained frequent contact with Israeli Embassy officials to convey the concern of the Government for the safety of our soldiers and we have made strong protests about a number of specific incidents.
