Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the Deputy that we are approaching the end game on this. I also agree the wait has been a lifetime for both of the families involved. I assure the Deputy that there is ongoing contact with the families and the Minister, Deputy Coveney, spoke with them just last weekend. Officials from both the Department of Defence and Department of Foreign Affairs are keeping a close eye on the issue and keeping in contact with our ambassador in the region so as to keep up to date on the issue. We want closure and want justice for those involved, in particular the families. These people have been dealing with this issue for the past 35 years.

Whenever I have been in Lebanon - I have been there on numerous occasions over the past four years - I have raised this issue whenever I got the opportunity. I assure Deputy Creed it is a matter of priority for the Government, the Department of Defence and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to ensure justice is obtained for the people involved. It is sad they have not got it to date. We are all aware of the commitment of the Irish Defence Forces and of the great work they do in Lebanon. They take their life in their hands when they go abroad on peacekeeping duties and I acknowledge that commitment here. We are doing what we can on this side and our officials are doing the same on the Lebanese side.

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