Seán Ryan
Question:37 Mr. Ryan asked the Minister for Defence whether he or his Minister of State intend visiting units of the Defence Forces overseas in 1992; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Defence Forces Overseas Units.
I visited Irish troops in the Middle East, including Lebanon, Cyprus and Syria during the period 14-24 March 1992.
In the course of my visit I met with the Lebanese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Syrian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Cypriot Minister for Defence and the Force Commander of UNIFIL. I spent four days with the Irish contingent serving with UNIFIL visiting 23 locations and saw at first hand the conditions under which Irish troops operate. I was greatly impressed by their sense of commitment to the important work which they are undertaking in the cause of international peace and by the great rapport which exists between them and the local communities. Morale was uniformly high.
I am satisfied that the presence of UNIFIL is vital to the stability of South Lebanon and affords protection and humanitarian assistance to the local population. This fact was emphasised to me by a number of deputations which included Muktars and other leading representatives of several villages in the Irish area of operations. They appealed strongly for the continued presence of Irish troops in South Lebanon.