Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)

I join the Minister in wishing Brigadier General Phelan every success. It is a testament to the fine tradition of the Irish Defence Forces in UNIFIL that he has attained that position. Our thoughts and prayers are with the 332 soldiers who have headed out there and their families.

In light of our earlier discussion about the escalating situation in Syria, has any thought gone into the possibility of associated instability in Lebanon? Will that influence any future decisions about the deployment of UNIFIL troops generally in the Lebanese area?

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