Vol. 396 No. 8
29 Tomás Mac Giolla asked the Minister for Defence if he or the Minister of State at his Department intends to visit Irish troops serving with UNIFIL; when it is intended to arrange for Members of the Oireachtas to visit the troops; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Minister of State at my Department proposes to make an official visit to the Irish Contingent of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon — UNIFIL — later this month.
A proposed visit in early January by Members of the Oireachtas had to be postponed due to the security situation in Lebanon at that time. I understand that the possibility of such a visit is being kept under review.
Does the Minister propose to travel to the Lebanon? I wish to impress on him the importance and significance for all Members of the House to mark their appreciation of the work of the UNIFIL troops. In view of that, will the Minister facilitate our visit there as it seems odd that Members of the House cannot have these arrangements made when it appears that members of the pay review body will be facilitated?
I would give priority to the visit by Members of the Oireachtas. I was looking forward to the visit taking place but it was genuinely postponed because of the security situation at that time. I will keep it in mind with a view to going there as soon as possible. It is an excellent idea.
It would be a big morale boost to many of the troops to see Members of the Opposition from my party and others. Will the Minister keep in touch with the spokespersons with a view to a final decision being made as to whether it is safe to travel to the Lebanon?
I will do that as it is an excellent idea.
That disposes of questions for today.
I wish to ask you to review your decision to disallow a Private Notice Question, of which I gave you notice, in relation to the implications of an extraordinary judgment by the Supreme Court affecting 700——
I have conveyed my decision to the Deputy in respect of that matter. He may not advert to it now and he may not challenge my ruling——
I am seeking to——
I will not permit any further discussion on the matter.
I am merely asking you to consider reviewing it.
The most careful consideration was given to the subject but, at the Deputy's request, I will look at it again.
I wish to make a point——
Please, Deputy, it is disorderly to make a point on it.
The development which has arisen was mentioned by me on Second Stage a year ago.
Please resume your seat.
