I propose to take Questions Nos. 10 and 21 together.
Following the invasion of Southern Lebanon by Israeli forces in March 1978 the United Nations Security Council decided on 19 March 1978, in the light of the request of the Government of Lebanon, to establish UNIFIL 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". The mandate of UNIFIL has since been renewed 17 times by the Security Council, most recently on 17 October 1985 to cover the period up to 19 April 1986.
The Deputy will be aware that UNIFIL has since its inception been prevented from fully discharging its mandate. In recent months the situation has remained highly unsatisfactory because of the failure of the Israeli authorities to bring to completion their withdrawal from Southern Lebanon and to end their continued support for the South Lebanese army. The Government share the view of the UN Secretary General that the continued involvement of Israel in South Lebanon is contributing to a heightening of tension in the area and thereby adds to the risk of an escalation of violence. The Government hope that all those with influence on the parties to the conflict will use that influence to press for greater co-operation with UNIFIL by all concerned in the region.
In agreeing recently to the dispatch of a further contingent for a six-month tour of duty the Government were mindful of the fact that, in spite of the obstacles placed in their path, UNIFIL remains an important and recognised factor for stability in South Lebanon. It continues to provide a measure of protection for the local population against the activities of armed groups active in the area. It makes a valuable contribution through the provision of humanitarian assistance. Both the Government of Lebanon and the UN Secretary General have expressed the wish that the force should remain.
During the period covered by the present mandate the Government will be monitoring carefully the situation on the ground with a view to determining at the appropriate time the nature of our future involvement with the force. Given the clearly expressed will of the international community that UNIFIL should be facilitated in undertaking the tasks mandated to it, it is of particular importance that progress be made in creating an environment more favourable to the attainment of this objective. A particular responsibility lies with the Israeli authorities in this regard.
As regards the decision of the Netherlands Government to withdraw their contingent, it is not expected that any significant additional burdens will fall on the Irish contingent to UNIFIL following on this decision. Responsibility for the area of operations previously assigned to the Netherlands contingent has been reallocated to the Fijian and Nepalese battalions.