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

To give a further update, I received a telephone call about half an hour ago. My nephew is serving with the United Nations in that part of Lebanon. The message he gave to his family was that they were all safe, but they were very upset and distraught about the death of the young Spanish soldier. It is also an opportunity, as the Minister mentioned, to highlight the great service these young men and women provide for Ireland at UN level as peacekeepers. It is important that we never forget this because they are making a valuable contribution. They are warriors for peace and highly respected internationally.