Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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In an earlier period, relationships with local communities in Tebnine and places like that were very strong. However, our troops are no longer stationed in these areas. In the past, a different approach was adopted in terms of the configuration in barracks and so on. It was almost a community-based approach.

Hezbollah has heightened tensions deliberately, in our view, in terms of its positioningvis-à-visthe role of UNIFIL, particularly with respect to activities near the Blue Line. It seems to us that Hezbollah is anxious to restrict the capacity of UNIFIL to observe what is happening on the ground in the context of its operations and so on. The tensions in Gaza have meant an intensity to the firing of rockets on both sides to such an extent that thousands of Israelis have had to leave and are now living in cities in Israel. Up to 50,000 or 60,000 Lebanese have left the area. UNIFIL is now in the middle of an area that has been significantly depopulated because of this limited military activity. Much of the farming land on the Lebanese side of the border has been destroyed by phosphorous and so forth. That means it will be almost impossible for some of those families to go back and farm anytime soon. That is the position in respect of the local communities.

At the Foreign Affairs Council last Monday, concerns were expressed about heightening tensions. The French and the US have to varying degrees been endeavouring to broker a solution between Hezbollah and Israel to prevent an all-out war. No matter who you listen to, and we have our own information, there is no doubt but that tensions have been heightened.

As I say, the relationship is not as it once was. There are still good relationships but Hezbollah has been trying to portray UNIFIL more generally, and not just the Irish contingent, as supportive of Israel. Some crude assertions have been made in that regard. The Lebanese authorities are at pains to point out that is not the case but we are dealing with a state that is nearing virtual collapse. No president has been appointed and an interim caretaker Government is in place. Inflation has increased exponentially and the central bank has had a crisis. There has been a port explosion. We are in a situation whereby Europe and others are trying to support the Lebanese army with more resources and pay. It is a very difficult environment overall.

Almost all of our civilians are on a register. We have given travel advice to the effect that they should leave Lebanon and we have urged Irish civilians to do so. We will continue to do that by commercial means while it is still possible. I reiterated that advice on 27 June. The Department of Foreign Affairs is in regular contact with those registered Irish citizens who remain in Lebanon. Many of them are long-term residents and do not plan to leave unless the situation deteriorates significantly. We work with our partners within the EU and the United Kingdom to prepare the ground for any potential evacuation. That work is advanced. I will continue to work with the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces and the Secretary General of the Department of Foreign Affairs. I am taking a structured approach to that situation. That is where we are.