Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank and commend our Defence Forces for their magnificent peacekeeping work abroad. I know from family members who have served in the Defence Forces that it is at times very risky. It is appropriate that all Members of the Oireachtas thank and commend the 438 members of the Defence Forces who will be abroad this Christmas. The Minister mentioned southern Lebanon, which he said was rather calm at the moment. Is it the view of the Minister and the Defence Forces that the area has stabilised over the last three to four months, particularly along the border with Israel? Are there any UN troops in the Gaza area who could become involved in peacekeeping and peace-making? If we want to bring peace to the area, we will need the support of UN troops on the ground to prevent violence. I would like to know the Minister's views. On the political side, does the Minister support the UN's two-state solution? It is important that we know the Government's views.

I am concerned about the 150 soldiers on stand-by for the German-Czech-Austrian battlegroup. I am one of those people who do not like the use of the word "battlegroup" in conjunction with the Defence Forces. What types of conflict will the Defence Forces be involved in as part of a battlegroup? The themes in the Minister's speech today involved local communities and humanitarian projects. I hope that is our political agenda. It is the agenda of the UN. Ireland is recognised as an impartial, neutral country which has contributed a great deal to international peace. Our soldiers are respected by all sides in any conflict and I would not like to see that change through an unnecessary involvement in battlegroups. Perhaps the Minister will enlighten me as to what they will be involved in.