asked the Minister for Defence whether he has received a report into the circumstances surrounding the injuries sustained by members of the Irish Defence Forces serving with the United Nations contingent in Lebanon on 28 January 1987; and if he will make a statement regarding the incident and in particular, if he will indicate the safeguards which are now being taken to prevent a recurrence.
Written Answers. - Irish Forces in Lebanon.
251.
Limerick West): On 28 January 1987 an explosion damaged a house occupied as living quarters in the village of Tibnin by personnel of the Defence Forces serving with the 60th Infantry Battalion, United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. Six personnel sustained minor injuries in the explosion; two of the injured personnel were admitted to hospital and discharged the following day and four were treated locally by battalion medical personnel.
The explosion was caused by explosive devices placed against the supporting pillars of the house. Investigations by the UNIFIL authorities have failed, to date, to establish responsibility for the incident.
As a result of the incident, security at all posts was reviewed and strengthened as necessary, within the resources available; specifically personnel were withdrawn from civilian owned accommodation where this was operationally possible and, in the interests of safety, the movement of personnel was restricted as appropriate throughout the area of operations.