Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I thank the Minister for Defence for correcting the Dáil record on the Niemba case and the inquiry. I urge the Army to honour Private Kennedy and Private Fitzpatrick.

I ask the Minister to make the protection of civilians in Lebanon the priority issue when bringing a message to the United Nations and the armed forces. He can use his authority and the forum of the UN to ensure the maximum protection of civilians is achieved, particularly given the men, women and children slaughtered there recently. It is important that this be a priority of the Irish troops serving there as part of the UN force.

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