Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)

Relative to its size and resources, Ireland has always punched above its weight with regard to the Defence Forces. The country is proportionately a very significant contributor to peacekeeping within the international community. I welcome today's statement as it gives us all an opportunity to pay tribute to the hard-working and courageous troops in the Defence Forces. We do not say it often enough but we should all be very proud of these men and women who have served our country with great honour down through the years. I wish to mention in particular the men and women in the Athlone Barracks and Mullingar Barracks. Today's statements are also timely given that are we are approaching 29 May, the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers.

Since becoming a member of the United Nations in 1955, Ireland has supported effective international action in areas such as disarmament, peacekeeping, development and human rights.

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