Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The time allotted for the Deputy's Priority Question is ordered by the rules of the House. I do not have a problem with allocating more time if the House so decides.

Any issue relating to Irish troops can be discussed, either by means of a Priority Question in the House, an Oireachtas committee or in the annual report of the Department of Defence. A resolution of the House is not required if the number of troops being sent on an operation is fewer than 12. However, this does not prevent the House from discussing the issue, as is the case today.

I reject the Deputy's argument that this country is not being true to its policy on neutrality. Irish troops are actively supporting the United Nations in this operation in order to ensure human rights violations will be dealt with very seriously. They are working to support the United Nations. I disagree with the Deputy the situation in Libya. Whatever happened there, one gentleman - Colonel Gaddafi - is no longer in charge. I think he gave certain Semtex explosives to people on this island who put many thousands in early graves. I objected to them and still do. I am glad that he is gone, but I do not know the Deputy's views in that regard.

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