Mr. Kieran Brennan:

I thank the Deputy for his comments at the start of his contribution. I will reflect on what he is saying. I understand his point of view and that there are different views in respect of this issue. Yesterday, I googled conflicts since 1958 since Ireland first deployed troops overseas. There have been approximately 120 conflicts in the world between 1958 and 2002 and during that time the Irish Government exercised its authority in a number of cases and sent troops overseas. Following the introduction of the triple lock, there have been a number of other conflicts. I sincerely believe a mature government will continue to exercise good decision-making with regard to the deployment of troops overseas. I will also make a point about the actual-----