John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 120: To ask the Minister for Defence if he will report on the explosion that occurred in the Lebanon on 8 January 2008 injuring two members of the Defence Forces serving with UNIFIL; the number of Irish troops serving both with UNIFIL and in the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6370/08]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 122: To ask the Minister for Defence the investigation that has been held into the attack on a UN vehicle in Lebanon on 8 January 2008 in which two Irish soldiers were injured; if it is has been established who was responsible for the attack; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6326/08]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 120 and 122 together.

On 8th January 2008, two members of the Permanent Defence Forces, serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) were injured when the UNIFIL vehicle in which they were travelling was targeted by a roadside bomb on the main coastal road north of Sidon. The soldiers had superficial injuries and were taken to the local hospital in Sidon by Lebanese army personnel. The soldiers were treated for their injuries and kept in over-night for observation. Both were discharged from the hospital on the following day, 9th January and they then returned to Naqoura. A UNIFIL investigation team, led by an Irish officer, is investigating this incident. The investigation is ongoing.

Seven members of the Permanent Defence Force are currently deployed in the UNIFIL HQ in Naqoura. A further 3 personnel are serving with the Observer Group Lebanon element of United Nations Troops Supervision Organisation (UNTSO).