Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State will be heading away next week to meet with members of the Defence Forces. The committee conveys its thanks and appreciation for the work they are doing. They are doing wonderful work. They take great pride in their work everywhere they go. As peacekeepers, they have been protecting people all over the world for many years. When our peacekeepers are coming home, it is wonderful to see the excitement from the families. The families are suffering as well. Young children and wives, partners and everybody else associated with our peacekeepers have a difficult job while the soldiers are serving abroad. It is only right and proper that we acknowledge everybody - families, extended families and everybody associated with this. It is a great achievement for the country. We are certainly punching well above our weight, which has been acknowledged worldwide.