Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

I am aware of Mr. Clark's statement. We must bear in mind that the Irish are not directly involved in clearing the unexploded ordnance. Clearing that ordnance is the Finn's task and the Irish are merely providing protection for them while they are doing so. It appears the necessary co-operation is not in place. We would prefer if the Israelis had been more co-operative. The Irish Government criticised the Israeli army after the conflict for its use of this weaponry. I am informed that the UN mine action service identified 842 cluster bomb strike locations in south Lebanon with an estimated 1 million unexploded cluster munitions contaminating the area. This is quite serious.

The Government has been critical of the Israeli Army for its use of this weaponry. As Deputy Gormley knows, we have been seeking a legally binding international agreement on the use of this kind of weaponry, particularly in built-up areas. We have made some progress on that and have had much help internationally.

Irish Army commanders in the Lebanon have been and remain in touch with the Israelis, particularly with regard to the task of mine clearance. I do not know whether there has been any direct contact between the Army and Hizbollah. I can make inquiries about this and let Deputy Gormley know. I presume there may have been some informal contact.

To answer the Deputy's main question, there is a certain lack of co-operation from the Israelis. The Israelis have first-hand knowledge of where these things are located. I hope we have collectively persuaded the Israelis to be more forthcoming as this unexploded ordnance presents a danger not only to UN forces, including the Irish, but also to civilians in southern Lebanon who have suffered quite enough. Some 1,000 civilians were killed directly in the conflict, more than 4,000 were injured and 30,000 homes were destroyed. I hope more co-operation will be forthcoming. The sooner this co-operation is forthcoming the more quickly we can get the job done.

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