Eric J. Byrne
Question:24 Mr. Byrne asked the Minister for Defence if he will make a statement on his recent visit to Irish troops serving with UNIFIL.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ministerial Visit to Lebanon.
On the occasion of my recent visit to South Lebanon during the period 16-20 March 1991 I visited all positions where Irish troops are serving as members of UNIFIL.
Morale was uniformly high and the troops were discharging their duties with great confidence and efficiency.
I met and spoke with almost the entire battalion of officers, non-commissioned officers and privates during my visit. I was greatly impressed by their sense of commitment to the important work which they are undertaking in the cause of international peace.
During the course of the visit I had discussions with the President of Lebanon, Mr. Hrawi, in Beirut and several high ranking officers of the Lebanese Army, including the General Commanding Officer, General Lahoud. I also met the Muktar of Tibnin where the headquarters of Irish troops are located and other local representatives and received a number of deputations from local dignitaries.
I was repeatedly told of the high standing in which Irish troops are held and was assured of the unreserved support of the local population for Irish troops and the vital role they are playing in contributing to stability in South Lebanon.
I would like to ask the Minister whether he raised the following three points in his meeting with members of the Defence Forces serving with UNIFIL. First, did he give any undertaking that, while he is Minister for Defence, he will visit the troops on an annual basis having regard to the recent break with tradition? Second, did he give any undertaking to re-establish the annual naval visit to deliver armaments and supplies, which is of significance to the navy and military personnel stationed abroad? Third, did he make any reference to the commitment given by his predecessor in office that the spokespersons of the other groups in the House would be afforded an opportunity at some stage to visit the troops in Lebanon?
I indicated that it is my intention during my period in office to visit as often as I can.
At least annually.
They go out for six months at a time.
More often, if the Minister likes, but at least annually.
The battalion which I met there are now back and a new one has gone out. It is desirable that as many visits as possible be made by Ministers or Ministers of State but it should be remembered that the last planned visit had to be called off——
He got scared.
——because Beruit airport was closed.
What about the naval visit?
That matter is being discussed by the naval authorities.
Would the Minister agree that it is a matter of regret that the Naval Service have not been afforded the opportunity to make their annual visit?
If the Deputy puts down a separate question I will give him the answer.
It is appropriate that Members of this House put it on the record that the Irish people appreciate the service being provided by our troops serving with the United Nations peace-keeping forces throughout the world. They have been excellent ambassadors for us on their missions abroad and they are held in high standing internationally. Is the Minister happy with the relationship between his Department and the United Nations and can he state if the Department have been properly recompensed by the United Nations? Furthermore, is he happy with the facilities provided for our Army personnel?
I was very happy to be given the opportunity to express, on behalf of the Government, the House and the people of this country our appreciation to the personnel serving in Lebanon. They are doing a magnificent job in very difficult circumstances. I should also say that I was impressed most by the number of people from local communities and villages who came to see me when they heard of my visit, to express the appreciation of the people of the South Lebanon area where the Irish contingent are stationed, of the courage, diplomacy, skill and expertise of the Irish personnel serving there. When one considers that 150,000 people have died in the last ten to 15 years in the Lebanon one begins to recognise the vital role being played by Irish personnel. I was warmly received by the Irish troops and they were quite happy with the way in which the Department are operating.
Will the United Nations come up with the payments due to the Irish Government?
That is a very distinct and separate matter.
That question can be dealt with separately. The figures are available and I know there has been a marked improvement in them. If the Deputy puts down a separate question on another occasion I will tell her the exact position——
The Minister should be well able to answer that question now.
There has been a marked improvement in regard to financing.