Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)

In relation to UN peacekeeping, Ireland is committed to UN peacekeeping. We have an unbroken record, and we are alone in that regard. Certainly, when Ireland appears before the United Nations when we run for election to the rotating seats on the UN Security Council, our unbroken track record of distinct service by our men and women in the Defence Forces is regularly cited. It is a proud record. Many men and women have given their lives in relation to the service of peace. We are committed to serving the mission of UNIFIL until it has ended. Unfortunately, it was not renewed by the UN Security Council. Unfortunately, under the current legislation, the decision for the mission not to receive the mandate from the UN Security Council - in this case, the United States - means that it is being wound down. There was not a fight to keep it on without a UN mandate.

There are two existing UN peacekeeping missions that have the requisite conditions as per the terms of the triple lock and the defence Act 1960 that we might be able to consider. It is a matter for the Department of Defence and the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, who will take it into consideration with the Government. I will be supportive while considering it as long as we can play a part, contribute to it and our men and woman of the Defence Forces are going in to do something that is worthwhile and responsible for them to do. The Deputy is right. It is something that we should continue to look at. We will have the argument about the triple lock in different fora.

As for the situation in the Middle East - the occupied territories - I often worry that the situation in West Jerusalem is not given as much attention as it needs. What is happening in Gaza is horrific; it is a genocide. We agree with Deputies on that. However, we must keep pressure on West Jerusalem and in relation to the situation of the occupied territories. As I said to Deputy Smith, the Attorney General's advice is in process. The Government is willing to and ready to act on that when it is ready.