Brendan Ryan (Labour)

I was only 13 at the time but it was an enormous shock to all of us. Nevertheless, the people of this country could see that what was being done was worth doing. That trauma, if anything, deepened our sense that this was a worthwhile thing for our Defence Forces to do.

The history of Liberia is an enormous reproach to western civilisation. Liberia is a consequence of the slave trade. It was populated by slaves who were liberated back to that country from the United States. While what has been done there and the brutality of the war is beyond description we must remember that western society, in its history of colonisation and slave trading, has played a major part in the creation of that tragic country. This does not excuse anything that is going on now. However, the great Christian powers of Europe were the driving force of the slave trade from Africa to North America, out of which came the slaves who founded Liberia. Ireland does not have anything to apologise for in this regard. However, this is not an issue of a tragic country but of the historical obligation of western Europe and North America to places like Africa, in the light of the harm done in the name of our civilisation on the African continent, particularly through the slave trade.

This is one of the most risky and difficult tasks undertaken by our Defence Forces. I do not make light of any of their missions but this one is different. That is not a reason not to do it. I accept the professional judgment of our Defence Forces and of the collective international community that a properly equipped military force can, notwithstanding the risks, make a dramatic contribution to stabilising a tragic country and region. It appears that the presence of Irish troops is a necessary part of the stabilisation of Liberia and its neighbouring countries, a region which is torn by enormous strife. Senator Minihan mentioned the use of child soldiers, which seems to be a new and African phenomenon. It also happened in Uganda. If we can bring an end to that sort of thing it is worth taking part in peacekeeping missions, even if they involve a risk.

I wish our troops well. I assume the necessary back-up provisions for their health and safety have been made. The need for decent rest and recreation is a necessary part of that and I have considerable sympathy with what Senator Minihan said about this. If more can be done, I hope the Minister will consider doing it.