At the outset I would like to thank the Ceann Comhairle for allowing me to raise this very important issue on the Adjournment. From listening to the news this evening it appears that this debate is opportune, relating to a matter that is a cause of concern in this country. The serious incident which occurred last Monday when two Israeli gunships attacked with rocket fire a house adjacent to a United Nations checkpoint manned by Irish troops must be condemned by this House as completely unacceptable and unwarranted. While acknowledging the pin-point accuracy of this type of missile fire, it must be clearly stated that where Irish troops are carrying out United Nations duties this activity must cease. For some considerable time Lebanon has been a troubled spot. There is now a build-up of troops from both the Israeli and Hezbollah sides and it is feared that this could become a major flash point in the Middle East. While obvious moves are being made by international powers to try to defuse the situation it must be the concern of this Government to safeguard the lives of Irish troops in Lebanon.
In the recent Estimate debate well deserved tributes were paid to our Irish soldiers who served with distinction over many years and in many parts of the world in the service of the United Nations. They have been renowned for their handling of delicate and sensitive issues and have a reputation for their restraint, despite extreme provocation at times. The ultimate sacrifice has been made by the Irish Army in their peace-keeping role with the United Nations. Irish personnel know that they are going into a trouble spot which has its dangers but I wish to spell out to this House where these dangers can and must be avoided. I do not think it is beyond the ability of the Israeli military command to warn UN personnel that an attack is imminent. We know that modern warfare and technology can, with uncanny accuracy, hit a particular target. It is also a fact that hundreds of casualties resulted from so-called friendly fire in the Gulf War. Many of us remember the horrible sight of body bags coming back to Britain and the United States. I do not wish to see bodies returned to this country, with sympathy from either the Israelis or Hezbollah people, because of mistaken identity or human error.
It is a matter of serious concern that Irish troops are once again in the firing line. I would request the Minister to call in the Israeli and Syrian ambassadors and outline to them the restraints that are necessary to safeguard the lives of Irish people carrying out their peace-keeping role in Lebanon. I know the Minister has made strong protests to the various factions involved. However, much more needs to be done. This Government should take urgent action to safeguard Irish lives.