asked the Minister for Defence the details of his recent trip to the Middle East; the locations that he visited; the time spent at each location; the reasons for visiting each location; the cost of the trip; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Middle East Trips.
14.
Commencing on 16 September 1985, I made an official visit to the Irish contingent of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). I also visited Irish military personnel serving with the United Nations Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) and with the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO) in Syria, Egypt and Israel.
The visit enabled me to see at first hand the conditions under which Irish troops are required to operate and to assess the overall position in regard to the safety and welfare of Irish personnel. An important element in this evaluation was the opportunity to have discussions with my political counterparts in the Governments of the countries concerned and also with the four United Nations force commanders in the area.
In the course of the visit about six days were occupied in visiting UNIFIL locations, four days in visiting UNFICYP personnel and two to three days each in visiting UNTSO personnel at locations in Syria, Egypt and Israel. The cost of the visit excluding the use of the Government jet was approximately £9,200.
In accordance with the Order of the House, I must now move to Public Service questions.