asked the Minister for Defence if he intends to review the mandate for the Defence Forces in relation to their peacekeeping operations in the Lebanon.

(Limerick West): The Government recently reviewed the participation by contingents from the Defence Forces in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon and agreed to provide a further contingent for a period of six months subject to the renewal by the Security Council of the UNIFIL mandate, which expires on 31 July 1987.

The Government will continue to monitor carefully the situation in southern Lebanon with a view to taking whatever measures may be necessary at any time to ensure the safety and welfare of our troops.

What steps will the Minister take to have discussions with the Israelis in view of the serious nature of the peacekeeping mandate now being operated by certain unofficial military organisations in the Lebanon which are endangering the lives of our troops? Does he agree that, under the existing mandate, the Irish and other UN peacekeeping units are treated with contempt by the Israelis in relation to the back-up they are giving to the militia there?

(Limerick West): The safety of our troops is kept under constant review and those selected for overseas service undergo a rigorous programme of training designed to help them to carry out their peacekeeping missions effectively and to provide protection for them.