Gabrielle McFadden (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I share Senator Feighan's sentiments about An Garda Síochána and I am very proud of it. Equally, I am immensely proud of our Defence Forces. I rise today to praise the members of the 110th Infantry Battalion, who travel today to serve with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, UNIFIL. Ireland has a long association with UNIFIL since its establishment in 1978 and I am really proud of the 336 members who fly out today, both men and women, who volunteered to take on this mission. I point out that 95 of those 336 people are first-time overseas travellers with the force, and it could be very daunting for them. They are very brave and I pay tribute to them. Many of their families come from my home town of Athlone.

Peacekeeping is a very important job and it can sometimes be carried out in very challenging circumstances. The role carried out by the Defence Forces is done with complete dedication and professionalism. The 110th Infantry Battalion was on parade last Friday and reviewed by the Minister of State in Athlone; the town was immensely proud to see the troops march through to the barracks. I could not help but be very impressed with their demeanour and obvious pride. I wish them well and hope they do a very good job abroad, coming back safely to serve their country with the distinction they have done until now. With this in mind will the Leader speak with the Taoiseach and Minister of State with responsibility for defence about giving medals to those who served in the Congo in 1961, the Jadotville group?