Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I will join the sentiments expressed by others in expressing my deepest condolences to the families of all those affected by this horrific news from Lebanon, in particular the family of Private Seán Rooney who was killed on duty while serving his country and the United Nations on a peacekeeping mission in Lebanon. I also extend my deepest condolences to the family of Private Shane Kearney who we hear has been injured and to the others injured and, indeed, to the families of all those who are serving abroad in Lebanon and on other UN missions for Ireland at this time.

We are all conscious of the immense courage of our Defence Forces personnel and the immense sacrifice both they and their families give in being away from home for so long. It must be especially hard at this time, with this shocking news, for the families of all Defence Forces personnel serving overseas and, indeed, for all of those who are abroad on peacekeeping missions. The Defence Forces have a proud, well-deserved reputation and record as peacekeepers in Lebanon and elsewhere. We have a very strong international reputation as peacekeepers and, yet, this horrific news reminds us of the serious and immense danger faced every day by our peacekeepers abroad. It also reminds us of the 47 other Defence Forces personnel who have been killed while serving overseas. We are all thinking of them and their families at this time. On behalf of the Labour Party, I extend my deep condolences, sympathies and thoughts to the families of all those affected and I hope and wish for a recovery for those who have been injured in this horrific attack.

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