Catherine Callaghan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I think I am safe in saying I am the only Member of the Dáil who has completed a tour of duty with UNIFIL. I concur with the Tánaiste's statement of support for the 300-plus men and women of Óglaigh na hÉireann who are currently in Camp Shamrock and other areas of southern Lebanon, which is an area with which I am very familiar. The Tánaiste will appreciate why matters relating to peace in the Middle East are of huge interest to me. I have been a proud member of the Defence Forces. I have worn the blue beret and provided the vital service of peacekeeper, alongside my UN colleagues, to the citizens of Lebanon. The Tánaiste can imagine my horror to see Israel carry out, last Friday, its first attack on Beirut since the ceasefire came into force in November that put an end to more than 13 months of conflict with Hezbollah. Another airstrike overnight has claimed the lives of a further four Lebanese citizens, including one woman, and injured seven people. How can we strengthen our support for Lebanon and its Government when the ceasefire is so fragile?

See this speech in context