asked the Taoiseach if, in view of developments in the Lebanon and the inability of the UNIFIL force to discharge its mandate in the present circumstances, the Government intends to withdraw our troops or to propose any changes in their mandate; if he raised these matters during his visit to New York; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Troops In Lebanon.
5.
I will be making a statement on these matters when opening the debate arranged for tomorrow.
In the light of recent events in the Middle East, would the Taoiseach accept that the role of the UNIFIL forces is now an impossible one? Is he aware of the statement made by the force commander that they are anxious to have a more clearly defined mandate and a stronger force? Would the Taoiseach agree with such a statement?
I am aware of the matters the Deputy has mentioned but, as I have indicated, we will have an opportunity of discussing the whole situation tomorrow in the course of a three-hour debate which has been arranged.
A Cheann Comhairle——
You are pre-empting the debate.
I accept that we will be having a debate but I would ask the Taoiseach whether he accepts that the role of UNIFIL is now an impossible one and that it is necessary to review the mandate. In the light of recent events I would ask the Taoiseach to give a simple "yes" or "no" to those questions.
I find myself in some difficulty because, at the request of the Opposition, I have facilitated them by offering a three-hour debate tomorrow on this matter. I think it better to leave these questions until then and to deal with them fully.