Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

The number of Irish troops serving overseas stands at 750. I also served overseas, including at Christmas. On behalf of the Fine Gael Party and its leader, Deputy Kenny, I wish all those serving overseas a happy and peaceful Christmas, which can be a difficult time for families and troops, particularly married soldiers, both male and female, serving abroad.

Yesterday, the Minister commemorated 50 years of Irish involvement with the United Nations. As was outlined, approximately 54,000 tours of duty have been completed by Irish forces. Four veterans of the Congo were also honoured yesterday, two of whom, Sergeant Gerry Higgins and Corporal Mike Connolly, I once knew well. It is amazing that these two men who served in the Congo are still serving in the Defence Forces. I wish the four veterans well.

The Fine Gael Party supports the motion, as outlined in committee. Ireland has made a marvellous contribution to overseas missions. The Liberian mission is difficult, while Sierra Leone has the potential to be difficult and dangerous. The Minister assured my party, based on the comments of the Chief of Staff, that the necessary security, equipment and human resources are in place. My party is always supportive of the principle of Irish involvement in peacekeeping and supports the involvement of Defence Forces in Sierra Leone, if such involvement is necessary.

Eighty-five members of the Defence Forces have lost their lives on UN service, some murdered and some by tragic accident. The feelings of many of their families, particularly of those who died recently, are still sore and raw. I ask the Minister to address any outstanding issues arising from these deaths. Unfortunately, some members of the Defence Forces were murdered by their own. I recall several individuals who lost their lives at Tibnin Bridge. When I served in Lebanon Fr. Sean Conlon, currently the parish priest of Ballinakill, was the chaplain. Fr. Conlon used to regularly visit Tibnin Bridge late at night. He had been at the bridge just a few minutes before several of our troops were murdered by one of their own in the early 1980s. It is important to remember those who lost their lives, particularly at this time.

Many of our troops were murdered by different sides to the various conflicts. One case, which was given considerable publicity recently, was the Niemba ambush, an event commemorated with a plaque unveiled at Goresbridge to Lieutenant Kevin Gleeson. His brother Fergus served in the Army for many years and I think of his extended family at this time.

I also think of several individuals who were murdered. If memory serves me correctly, Private Stephen Griffin was the first Irish soldier murdered in Lebanon. He was killed at At-Tiri in 1980. Shortly afterwards, Privates Smallhorn and Barrett were killed in an incident which has received publicity on occasion over the years. Will the Minister try to bring some closure to the families of those who were murdered, particularly as we approach Christmas? I do not blame the Minister but these events are frequently resurrected in the media which builds hope among loved ones that those who committed the murders will be brought to justice. We should try to bring closure in these cases.

I knew several of those murdered in Lebanon, including Lieutenant Aengus Murphy. His father is retired Brigadier General Kevin Murphy and his brother Conal served in the Army for many years. Each time I drive into Galway I think of Aengus Murphy who is buried in Bohermore cemetery. Despite being issued with a threat by local militia, he continued to do his job of clearing bombs on a roadside and, unfortunately, was murdered by being blown up one morning in the mid-1980s. It is important to remember that behind the statistics on the lives lost on United Nations service are families who will continue to suffer from their loss. While they may have learned to live with the pain, we must acknowledge the sacrifice they have made.

Others were murdered by the other side in the Lebanon conflict. The Israeli backed Christian militias and the Israeli Defence Forces were also involved in some incidents. For example, Corporal Fintan Heneghan from Mayo, whose father was a public representative for the Minister's party, was blown up with Privates MannixArmstrong and Tom Walsh, all of whom I knew well. I also served overseas with Corporal Heneghan. The three men were murdered when a landmine exploded not far from their base in south Lebanon in the late 1980s. The body of Private Kevin Joyce, who disappeared in 1981, has never been found despite trojan efforts by the former Minister for Defence, Deputy Michael Smith, and several other former Ministers.

The Minister will also be aware of the sensitive ongoing case of Private Kevin Barrett. I ask him to try to bring closure to this case during his period in office by doing everything in his power to ensure charges are brought and people brought to justice for these murders. If, in his view, this is not possible, I ask that a line be drawn under this and other cases to prevent the hopes of the families being raised every few years. The families will always hope that someone will be brought to justice or, in the case of Private Kevin Joyce, that his body will be found.

Our commitment to UN missions in recent years has been significant and the Minister will need to address increasing pressure on some areas of the Defence Forces to supply personnel for missions. Nevertheless, the Fine Gael Party wholeheartedly supports the motion. I remember the families who lost loved ones at this time and extend my best wishes to those serving overseas and those preparing to serve overseas in the months ahead.

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