asked the Minister for Defence the total number of casualties incurred by Irish troops serving with UNIFIL, in respect of numbers killed and injured, since Irish troops first went to Lebanon; if he has satisfied himself that adequate measures are taken to ensure the safety of Irish troops; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish UNIFIL Casualties.
12.
(Limerick West): Since 1978 seven personnel of the permanent Defence Force were killed and 23 personnel were wounded in action while serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, UNIFIL. In addition, one soldier is missing and 16 others died through accidents or other causes.
The safety of Irish troops serving with UNIFIL is kept under constant review. Troops selected for overseas service undergo a rigorous programme of training designed to help them carry out their peace-keeping mission and to provide for their protection. They are issued with a modern range of weapons and equipment and operational procedures are geared to provide maximum safety for our troops consistent with the carrying out of their mission. I am satisfied that the training, equipment and procedures provide very adequately for the protection of our personnel.
Will the Minister confirm that the equipment he speaks about, the most modern equipment which our forces are provided with in Lebanon, is provided through the Irish Army and that in some instances the equipment is not properly adaptable or adequate for the purposes of dealing with the peculiar environmental and climatic conditions experienced in the Middle East?
(Limerick West): The answer to the first part of the Deputy's question is yes and the answer to the second part of his question is no.
Will the Minister tell the House what measures are being taken at a diplomatic level, I am not confining myself to direct departmental level, to ward off the major threat to Irish troops in the Middle East which is the aggressive attacks of the Israeli armed forces against the UNIFIL forces?
(Limerick West): There is constant diplomatic activity by the Minister for Foreign Affairs to adequately protect our forces in Lebanon.
Does it take into account that it is the Israeli armed forces who are the single biggest threat to the safety of our soldiers?
(Limerick West): The necessary precautions are being taken at diplomatic level.
With the Israeli authorities?
(Limerick West): With all forces.
Is the Minister aware that a short time ago in the Lebanon two members of our forces were injured as a result of one section firing on another? Can the Minister tell us anything about that incident?
(Limerick West): I am aware of that incident but it was not very significant.
How bad were the injuries?
(Limerick West): The injuries were not severe.
I would like to raise on the Adjournment the subject matter of my Private Notice Question which was not allowed. It is a very urgent matter. It deals with the question of the Christmas bonus which will not be paid this week to certain categories of people even though they had been led to believe it would be paid to them.
I will communicate with the Deputy.