Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his response. I ask him to join me in thanking and commending our troops in the Lebanon for their peacekeeping role, particularly the 356 soldiers there. They are doing excellent work.

Is the relationship between the Irish troops and the local community there still as strong as it was ten years ago? Does the Minister of State share my concerns that not enough has been done about the peace on the borders of Lebanon and in the Middle East in general? That region seems to have gone off the political agenda from a European and an Irish perspective. Does he accept that the more political instability there is, the more at risk our troops are in the Lebanon? Does he accept that politicians in Ireland and in the EU in particular have got to get off the fence on this issue and support in a practical way UN resolutions?

Does the Minister of State accept that the elephant in the room is violence, mayhem and the lack of movement in the EU and US in resolving the Palestinian issue? Their need for a state is hindering the development of peace in the Lebanon area. Does the Minister of State agree with the PLO envoy to the United States when he said yesterday that Palestinians have repeatedly recognised Israel's right to exist? Does the Minister of State accept that an end to military occupation of Palestine will lead to peace and security in the Lebanon and the Middle East and more safety for our troops?

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