As has been stated by the Minister, this mission is not without risk. Nevertheless, it is without question correct for the Defence Forces to play an active role in this mission. Not alone is the professionalism of our Defence Forces ideally suited to the successful conclusion of the mission but Ireland, during our period on the Security Council, was among the strongest supporters of the targeted sanctions of the former Liberian regime. Now that that regime has fallen, we have a moral responsibility to help build a lasting peace in Liberia. We have already shown our support for Liberia through the provision to date this year of €2.5 million in emergency humanitarian assistance. This deployment is another sign of our commitment to the country and to the region.