Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I recall an Oireachtas trip a number of years ago. A delegation went to Egypt. We happened to meet the secretary-general of the Arab League to discuss various important issues. Before we could say a word, he said that he wanted to say that they will never forget what Irish peacekeepers have done in Lebanon. He said that when militia came to attack a village, Irish soldiers held the line and said, "You shall not pass. We will keep the peace." That may be little comfort to the Rooney family this morning but I hope that our thoughts and prayers go to them. We recognise that our soldiers, including Seán, put themselves at risk for the highest values, highest purpose and most important need, which is for us to try to protect peace in the world. The loss for his family and friends must be colossal. It is also remembered by the rest of the country. It is a loss for us all. I pray that Shane Kearney and his colleagues who were wounded make a speedy recovery and, please God, return home for Christmas.

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