Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

The priorities of the troops are set by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, UNIFIL, force commander. One of the duties envisaged for the Lebanese Army when it enters southern Lebanon is not only the protection of civilians, but allowing them access to humanitarian assistance and Irish troops will play a part in this regard. Ireland is working hard at the United Nations, through the Minister for Foreign Affairs, to have the law changed to considerably restrict the use of cluster weapons which were deployed to such ill-effect in Lebanon.

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