Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 5 May 1987

Vol. 372 No. 4

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Commemoration Proposals.

11.

asked the Minister for Defence the proposals, if any, the Government have to commemorate the memory of Corporal Dermot McLoughlin and other soldiers who died in the cause of peace while serving with United Nations forces in the Lebanon; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

(Limerick West): Personnel of the Defence Forces who die on service with the United Nations are specifically included among those who are honoured on the National Day of Commemoration which was inaugurated last year.

We are now dealing with important matters.

While I appreciate that the Progressive Democrats have priorities, can the Minister say whether the Government will be proceeding with the National Day of Commemoration this year? In view of the nature of the service in which Corporal McLoughlin was involved in the Lebanon, does the Minister agree that it would be appropriate to establish some form of peace studies scholarships or in some way to assist the development of peace studies in second level schools and universities to explain the role our Defence Forces play in the United Nations?

The Deputy is broadening the scope of the question.

(Limerick West): The reply to the first part of the question is that the matter is under review. The second part of the Deputy's question is not appropriate but, if he wishes to put down a separate question to this effect, I will gladly answer it.

I appreciate that the traditional way of commemorating the dead is to erect plaques or stone crosses to them. However, I am suggesting an alternative method of commemorating Corporal McLoughlin and other members of the Irish Defence Forces who have died abroad. Does the Minister consider that an appropriate way would be to encourage the development of peace studies within our educational system?

(Limerick West): If the Deputy wishes to put down a question to this effect I will answer it.

The question is——

I am calling the next Question as I have given the Deputy plenty of latitude on this one.

Top
Share