asked the Minister for Defence if he will give details of his visit recently to Jerusalem where Irish UN officers are helping to supervise the Armistice Agreements in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
87.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Minister's Visit to Cyprus and Jerusalem.
86.
asked the Minister for Defence if he will make a full statement in regard to his visit to Cyprus and his call on President Makarios; and if he will give details of the impressions made on him by his visit.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take questions Nos. 86 and 87 together.
The object of my visit to Irish troops serving with the United Nations in Cyprus and the Middle East was to convey personally to those troops my deep interest in their welfare and my own and the Government's appreciation of their work in the areas mentioned in the interests of peace. I also wished to see for myself the conditions under which the troops are living and operating.
I visited the Irish troops at their various encampments in Cyprus and everywhere found morale to be very high. The troops have an excellent health record and are being well looked after. They are doing a difficult job and doing it very well although serving under somewhat difficult conditions, particularly at this time of the year.
I was greatly pleased with the high esteem in which the Irish are held by the people of Cyprus, which was expressed by the hospitable way in which I was received.
My call on President Makarios was a courtesy call in accordance with normal protocol for these occasions.
During my visit to Jerusalem, I was happy to meet all ten Irish officers serving with the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation, including Lieut-Colonel Bunworth who is now Chairman of the Israel/Syrian Mixed Armistice Commission. I found these officers also in good health and working earnestly for the accomplishment of their task which is a difficult and delicate one. These officers are doing a wonderful job in the cause of peace.
Had President Makarios any comment to make on Ireland and the high standard of the Irish troops?
We did not discuss that question.
It does not arise.
Is it true that our troops, even though the weather there is very inclement, are being housed in conditions which are not exactly what they should be in view of the inclement conditions?
Whatever deficiencies we noted on our tour were made known to the Force Commander.
It is true that some of them were under canvas?
That is common practice in that part of the world.
Is it not true that in extremely inclement weather the Irish troops were under canvas while troops of other nations were not?
Other troops were under canvas also. I am not saying categorically that all the troops of the Force were under canvas, but many were under canvas. The camps were well kept and looked well. I did not get any serious complaint from any soldier or officer about suffering hardship by being under canvas.
Did the Minister ask for complaints?
I did.
Did the soldiers know they could make complaints?
I spoke to the soldiers. I was glad to talk to the ordinary private.
Did you have a good time yourself?
I would not call it a good time; I had a busy time.
I am glad the Minister went to see for himself.