Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

I thank Deputy Timmins for sharing time. I am pleased to support the Government's proposal to deploy troops to Lebanon as part of UNIFIL II. I have been accused of taking a somewhat gung-ho approach to this issue in encouraging the Government to make the decision it has confirmed in the Chamber today. That is not the case. I am aware the commitment to deploy troops is a serious one and that Ireland has experienced tragedy in Lebanon where 48 Irish servicemen lost their lives. I pay tribute to them.

We should not lose sight of the fact that this deployment offers an opportunity to play a small but valuable part in perhaps the most important European Union led United Nations mission of our time. People were horrified over the summer to see close coverage of a war which flattened Lebanon. Ireland has an opportunity to play a role trying to ensure we build peace in a region about which we know something. It is not often the Secretary General specifically calls on the European Union to offer leadership for a mission. He also asked countries with experience in Lebanon to show courage and make a contribution of troops to the mission. While it would have been helpful if the Government had made a commitment to deploy troops before now, this decision is nevertheless welcome and has my strong support.

I am fortunate to have been involved in the debate on UNIFIL II in the European Parliament, during which many MEPs posed the same questions. Will our troops be safe in Lebanon? Will they be asked to disarm Hizbollah on the ground? If this had been the case, it would have given rise to serious concerns but most of these concerns have been allayed. Those listening who share them should note the responsibility of disarming Hizbollah lies with Lebanese forces. This responsibility, which must be fulfilled, forms part of the UN resolution underpinning the UNIFIL II mission. Irish troops and forces from other EU and non-EU member states who make up the 15,000 strong contingent must support the Lebanese army in this difficult task.

Many other jobs, for example, de-mining, must be done on the ground. Disgracefully, the Israelis, particularly in the final few days of the conflict, used cluster bombs to savage effect. Unfortunately, as people returned to their villages, largely consisting of rubble, they had to face the dangers of thousands of unexploded small munitions from cluster bombs.

Both sides are to blame for the conflict of the summer. The UNIFIL mission, with Ireland supporting a large European Union force, can make a valuable contribution towards building lasting peace and stability in a region which is crying out for both.

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