asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement setting out the role and functions of the Irish UNIFIL contingent in Lebanon in the situation now prevailing.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish UNIFIL Contingent in Lebanon.
15.
UNIFIL's mandate was established by the United Nations Security Council under resolution 435 of 19 March 1978. This resolution established UNIFIL in the light of the request of the Government of Lebanon "for the purpose of confirming the withdrawal of Israeli forces, restoring international peace and security and assisting the Government of Lebanon in ensuring the return of its effective authority in the area".
As the Deputy will be aware, UNIFIL have never been allowed to implement fully their mandate and, since the second invasion of Lebanon by Israel in June 1982, all contingents of UNIFIL, including the Irish contingent, have been forced to operate under severe constraints. However, UNIFIL remain an important and recognised factor for stability in Southern Lebanon. It affords a measure of protection to the local population and in its absence local militias would be in a position to further, without hindrance, their own aims. In addition, UNIFIL provides important humanitarian assistance to the local population. The UN Secretary General has indicated that he views the presence of UNIFIL as essential. The UN Security Council, reflecting the will of the international community, agreed to renew UNIFIL's mandate in April 1985 for an additional six month period. The Government agreed at that time to continue Ireland's participation in the force.
In the context of Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon, it is my hope that UNIFIL will be in a position to implement fully their mandate. Every effort is being made by the United Nations Secretary General to ensure a more effective role for UNIFIL in Southern Lebanon with a view to the establishment of peace and security in the area in accordance with the will of the international community.
In this connection, incidents involving the abduction of UNIFIL personnel, including an Irish soldier, and threats to the safety and well-being of members of the force by Israeli-backed militias, hinder UNIFIL in the implementation of the tasks they have been set by the international community. These dangerous actions do not assist in the maintenance of peace and security in Southern Lebanon. The concern of the Government over these recent incidents has been conveyed to the Israeli authorities and we have made it known to Israel that we will hold them ultimately responsible for actions taken by militias that they finance and support.
Could the Minister spell out clearly for us, please, what representations our Government have made to the Israeli Government concerning the harassment of Irish and other troops in the UNIFIL forces in South Lebanon?
In relation to any incident of harassment, or to the more serious incidents involving our own troops, contact has continued to be made with the Israeli authorities, protests have been launched and, indeed, in relation to the situation of the Finnish troops who are held by the SLA, our views have been expressed to the Israeli Government in a most cogent manner.
Could the Minister please state what the Government position is in regard to the continuation of the participation of Ireland as a member of the UNIFIL force in South Lebanon, now that the Israeli troops are withdrawing back to Israel from Lebanon and what role the Minister sees for a future United Nations force in Lebanon?
That is a matter on which a final decision has not yet been taken. As the Deputy will be aware, the mandate is renewed every six months. A decision was taken in April to continue our involvement in that force. Obviously, the situation as it develops will be kept continually under scrutiny and any further decision by the Government will be taken in the light of the up-to-date developments at the particular time.
Would the Minister say whether he is aware that there is an ever-increasing concern here for the safety of our troops? Will he give a guarantee that the Government will avail of every opportunity to make the most serious representations possible on this subject of the safety of our troops and their colleagues under the UNIFIL auspices to the authorities of Israel?
There are dangers involved in all United Nations peacekeeping operations. The Deputy may be absolutely assured that the Government are taking every opportunity to point out to the Israelis, and to anybody else involved, our concern about the safety and security of our troops. We will, as I mentioned, continue to monitor developments in Lebanon which could affect either the safety of our troops or the future of UNIFIL. Every effort will continue to be made towards minimising any risks involved for our troops. The safety and security of our troops, the Deputy can be assured, are a major concern of the Government.
That concludes Question Time for today. Written replies will be given to the questions which were not reached, unless a Member wishes to have a question put down again for oral answer. If so, he or she should inform the General Office before 4 p.m.
A Cheann Comhairle——
They would be for the new Government that meet next October.
Do not interrupt Deputy Leonard.
The Ceann Comhairle went to Clones to interrupt the Deputy himself last week. He was leading with the left with Barry McGuigan against Deputy Leonard.
I was in the fray before any of these new-found men. In view of the Ceann Comhairle's experience here today, where only six lottery questions were dealt with——
I am sorry that I cannot give you a hearing.
I have to ask that the position be re-examined forthwith. Question Time has been dominated completely by the priority questions.
I suggest that the Deputy take that matter up in the party room.
I shall take it up. Further, I asked that a question from me, No. 13, be resubmitted for lottery. It is an important question where the Taoiseach gives an assurance——
Deputy, please resume your seat.
I will resume my seat. I must protest in the strongest possible terms as a backbencher, because common justice demands that we have our questions answered in the lottery period.
I call item No. 11.