Edward Nealon
Ceist:7 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for Defence the reason for the planned transfer of the main headquarters of the Irish UN Peace-Keeping Forces in Lebanon; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Troops in Lebanon.
The proposed new location for the Irish battalion's headquarters would provide enhanced security and an improved headquarters layout. In that connection the safety of Irish troops in Lebanon is a matter of constant concern and is kept under continuous review.
Will the Minister state whether the Irish or UN authorities were responsible for the location of the site now being abandoned? Has it now been proved that it was not the most suitable choice?
The headquarters was on that site for a considerable time. The question did not seek information regarding responsibility for the original decision but it is now regarded as being unsafe from the point of view of security and the change is being made. The site is in the same general location but it is away from the village of Tibnin.
The point that worries me is that the headquarters has been there for so long. Was the defence system defective and, if so, have the Army only now become aware of it?
Whatever the reasons the site has now been moved and there is no point in speculating.
Let us proceed to other questions, Question No. 10 to the same Minister.