Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I have no updates on the procurement of that aeroplane, which is on schedule as far as I know, given that I have heard nothing to the contrary. Again, because of the nature of Lebanon and of any attack that could take place if a war happened, it seems the air option would be very limited because of the dangers and so on. The best advice, therefore, that we can give to citizens is to leave through commercial options now while they have the opportunity and to register with us, and we are continuing that outreach with Irish citizens in Lebanon. Of course, many of them have made their lives there and so forth.

Everybody is aware of what could happen and the potential for something happening. There is increased concern now about the possibility, from which, by the way, I would urge both sides to step back. There has been enough killing, death and destruction and it is civilians, such as women and children, who suffer the most. The last thing Lebanon needs now is a war. We are working with EU partners and the United Kingdom to make sure we can get out our citizens.

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