Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

The Defence Forces have a very important role to play in this area. I visited them and know the work they are doing is greatly appreciated by the local community. In addition to fulfilling their UN mandate, they engage with the local community and provide assistance where they can on community matters.

I do not envisage that the UN's commitment to UNIFIL will finish any time soon. I intend for the Defence Forces to continue to participate in this mission and contribute to maintaining peace in a region that is particularly troubled. I pay tribute to the work being done by our forces there. A third contingent has now gone to the region from this State since I was appointed Minister. The personnel are doing extraordinarily important work.

My concern, which is shared by many, is that the difficulties in Syria could flow over the border into Lebanon. There is relative calm in the area but there have been difficulties in the city of Tyre where some fighting has broken out that reflects some of the difficulties in Syria.

It is important that Ireland continues to play an active role in the United Nations and contributes to peacekeeping in various parts of the world. It is important that the considerable experience of our Defence Forces in this area is utilised and that they feel their training is put to good use on the international stage.

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