Theresa Ahearn
Question:22 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Defence the purpose of his recent visit to the Lebanon; if he will give details of his itinerary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13921/95]
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers - Lebanon Visit.
I visited Irish troops serving with the United Nations in Lebanon, Cyprus and Israel during the period 14-23 September 1995. The primary purpose of my visit was to see for myself the work of Irish military personnel serving in the region and to assure them, on behalf of the Government and people of Ireland, of how proud we are of the outstanding manner in which they have consistently performed their duties on United Nations service.
While in Lebanon I had discussions with the Force Commander, Major-General Stanislaw Wozniak, and met with Irish personnel stationed at Force Headquarters in Naqoura and with members of the 77th Infantry Battalion serving in the south of the country. I saw at first hand the role played by Irish officers and was greatly impressed by their sense of commitment to the important work they are undertaking in the cause of international peace.
The presence of UNIFIL is clearly vital to the stability of South Lebanon and to the safety and welfare of the local population. The inhabitants of the whole region are deeply appreciative of the Irish presence and there was an obvious close rapport between the battalion and the community. In Beirut I met Mr. Muhsin Dalloul, the Lebanese Minister for Defence.
While in Cyprus I met Brigadier-General Ahti Vartiainen, the Commander of the United Nations Force in Cyprus and the Force's Chief of Mission, Mr. Gustave Feissel. In Israel I met with Colonel Jaakko Oksanen, Acting Chief of Staff of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation, retired Major-General David Ivry, Director General of the Israeli Ministry of Defence and Brigadier-General Tzur, General Officer Commanding, Israel's Defence Forces Liaison Unit to Foreign Forces.
I wish to pay tribute to the dedication and courage of all Irish personnel serving with the United Nations. They are a credit to Ireland and to the Defence Forces.
Will the Minister agree that members of the Defence Forces regard serving in Lebanon as an opportunity to put into practice what they have learned in training and that they are happy to do so overseas?
Overseas involvement in the service of the United Nations has been an invigorating experience for our troops and has given them vast international experience of the world stage. What struck me forcibly in Lebanon was the manner in which those on conflicting sides were unanimous in their tribute to the skill and dedication of the Irish troops. It is obvious there is something quite special in the make-up of Irish military personnel in terms of temperament and training that equips them to meet the challenges they face in the type of conflict in which they are involved, particularly in South Lebanon.