Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 361: To ask the Minister for Defence if, during his meeting on 1 March 2006 with President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of Liberia, he raised concerns relating to the human rights situation in Liberia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24278/08]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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During the period 28 February, 2006, to 2 March, 2006, I visited Liberia where I met with the Irish personnel of the 94th Infantry Battalion, United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL). The primary purpose of my visit was to see at first hand the work of the Irish Defence Forces Personnel serving with UNMIL and to convey to them, on behalf of the Government and the people of Ireland, the deep appreciation felt regarding the outstanding manner in which they perform their duties in this challenging mission.

During the course of that visit, I met with President of Liberia, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, who was accompanied by her Minister for Foreign Affairs, George Wallace and her Special Security Adviser. The President expressed her gratitude to the Irish Government for the Defence Forces contribution to peace in Liberia and the vital role played by them in maintaining the peace, which she stated had been exceptional. In the course of our discussion I mentioned UNMIL's role in assisting in the provision of humanitarian assistance and the promotion of human rights. We also discussed the importance of ensuring the protection of human rights and the observance of International humanitarian law in building confidence in the security institutions of the State.