I refer the Deputy to my statement in the House on 7 October 1992.
Investigations into the incident are continuing at United Nations and Irish contingent levels. The Minister of State at my Department, Deputy Dempsey, conveyed the grave concern of the Government to the Lebanese authorities in Beirut on 1 October 1992. In particular, the Minister of State asked that the Lebanese Government use their authority and influence to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.
Ireland's permanent representative to the United Nations in New York raised the issue with his Lebanese counterpart on 9 October 1992. The Lebanese permanent representative cabled the President, the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister of Lebanon advising and urging that measures should be taken immediately in relation to the people directly involved.
Security procedures in respect of all military personnel serving with UNIFIL are under constant review and changes are made when considered necessary. Troops selected for overseas service undergo a rigorous programme of training designed to help them carry out their peacekeeping 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. In addition, physical security in the form of equipment and engineer works at posts and checkpoints is steadily being improved.
The Irish Government continue to avail of every opportunity at the United Nations and in meetings at diplomatic level to press for the implementation of the necessary measures to enable UNIFIL to carry out its mandate effectively.