Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

The proposition before the House will directly affect the lives of approximately 150 Irish men and women and their families. Any proposition pertaining to service overseas of the Irish Defence Forces should be debated in the full Chamber, not referred to committee without debate in the first instance. The import of Irish troops serving overseas is such that it deserves such attention in this House. In this specific instance, in which service in the Lebanon is under consideration once again, particularly against the backdrop of Israeli actions during the summer in which UN personnel suffered losses, Members must see the gravity of the situation to which Defence Force members are being sent. It is important and I concur with previous speakers that time should be afforded for a proper debate in this Chamber on all that is entailed in this proposition. I join with other Members in urging the Taoiseach to accede to this request.

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