Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In other circumstances, I might be inclined to complain about the non-presence of the Minister for Defence, Deputy Alan Shatter, but I suppose he has other questions on his mind today. However, I warmly welcome the Minister of State, Deputy John Perry, to the House to take this issue.

On the face of it, this might not seem like an earth-shattering issue but nonetheless when we look back over the past 50 years, Members on both sides of the House are very proud of the work our Defence Forces have done abroad, representing this nation in peacekeeping initiatives. When we sent our first mission to the Congo in 1950, it was perhaps not ideally equipped. I remember reading that wooly jumpers were sent with them, which I imagine would not have been the most appropriate kit for the Congo.

All Ministers for Defence in recent years have taken great pride in the fact that the equipping of our Defence Forces has improved enormously. The quality of the Mowags we have, our artillery capabilities and the extent of the training available to our Defences Forces are second to none and, as a nation, we can hold our heads high. That is why I was surprised to hear reports that the current contingent of members of the Defence Forces sent to the Lebanon were not provided with the appropriate personal kit.

The particular question I have surrounds the issuing of inappropriate footwear to members of the Defence Forces. As I said at the outset, it might seem like an insignificant issue but for those people who are labouring for us in the deserts of the Lebanon, it is a vitally important issue. Desert boots are normal kit for such tours of duty but I understand members of the Defence Forces have been supplied with steel capped boots, both supplied by the same manufacturer. One set of footwear is appropriate while the other is most inappropriate.

I would be happy if the Minister of State told me I was completely wrong but my sources are quite satisfied and insistent that the information I have is correct. Perhaps I will give time to the Minister of State to put on record the situation and respond later.

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