Ministerial visit to Irish troops in Lebanon

Summary

The Minister of State confirmed the Minister for Defence intends to visit Irish troops serving with UN missions, including in Lebanon, when practicable. He said operational considerations and allowing the latest contingent to settle would determine the timing, and assured O'Keeffe that the visit would take place.

Jim O'Keeffe Mr. O'Keeffe Fine Gael

asked the Minister for Defence if he intends to visit the Irish troops in the Lebanon.

0 0

Comment on this

Seán Moore Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Mr. Moore) Fianna Fáil

I intend to visit Irish officers and men serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon and with other United Nations Missions as soon as practicable.

0 0

Comment on this

Jim O'Keeffe Mr. O'Keeffe Fine Gael

What does the Minister mean by "as soon as practicable"?

0 0

Comment on this

Seán Moore Mr. Moore Fianna Fáil

There are operational considerations. The last contingent are not very long out there. The Minister would want them to settle down before visiting them.

0 0

Comment on this

Jim O'Keeffe Mr. O'Keeffe Fine Gael

Would the Minister not accept that it would be good for the morale of the troops to have such a visit in the light of the fact that this has not taken place for quite some time in relation to the former contingent?

0 0

Comment on this

Seán Moore Mr. Moore Fianna Fáil

The matter has been discussed between the Minister and the Army and this is the best way of dealing with the matter. The Minister will go at the most suitable time.

0 0

Comment on this

Jim O'Keeffe Mr. O'Keeffe Fine Gael

So long as he goes.

0 0

Comment on this

Seán Moore Mr. Moore Fianna Fáil

He will go all right.

0 0

Comment on this