Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I strongly support this motion to send our troops on this serious United Nations mission to Liberia. It will be a dangerous mission concerning which issues of safety arise. In supporting this motion, we should reflect on what is currently happening in Liberia, as well as what has occurred there in the past and the delicate nature of that country's political situation.

I commend and thank our soldiers, particularly those who have served with the United Nations for many years. I wish to express my deepest sympathy to the families of members of the Defence Forces who have died on UN peacekeeping duty. All Members of the House have respect and admiration for their courage, vision and determination. I commend the 750 soldiers who are currently involved in overseas projects.

We have seen the civil war unfold in Liberia with its barbarity and viciousness. We have also seen the sad and evil situation of boy soldiers who are drawn into violence there. Our soldiers will be going into that area with the respect of the international community. Irish soldiers have always acted with integrity in such situations. It presents an opportunity for us to inform other security forces and armies around the world that they too have a onus to act in a responsible manner. Security forces which do not do so are not only a disgrace to their own countries but also damage the integrity of international peacekeeping forces.

In the last few days, I have received information from Colombia where paramilitaries assassinated 22 campesinos in the municipality of Carami. On 4 and 5 December, a group of approximately 200 armed and uniformed men, presenting themselves as members of the north block of paramilitaries, entered that area. They carried out all manner of violations, including humiliating acts against the civilian population in those locations. They detained a indeterminate number as well as killing 22 innocent people. The people involved in this massacre were directly connected to the security forces of the Colombian army. I am stating this in light of an earlier debate during the week. It is a serious situation when the Colombian army is colluding with and assisting right-wing death squads.

I support the motion and strongly support the United Nations.

See this speech in context