asked the Minister for Defence the plans he has for an early visit to the Defence Forces overseas in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Limerick West): 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.

If conditions allow.

In view of the fact that four members of the Defence Forces were murdered recently in the Lebanon, the Minister should have gone there much sooner.

(Limerick West): I assure Deputy Clohessy and the House that the sole reason for postponing the visit was the closure of Beirut Airport which made travel impossible. The allegation from unnamed sources that Government Ministers have not flown into Beirut Airport — but have used Tel Aviv Airport — is untrue. It was further alleged, again by unnamed sources, that I had been advised not to travel because of the likely reaction from troops. This assertion is also completely without foundation. The Minister intends to visit the Irish contingent in Lebanon when circumstances permit. The purpose of the Minister's visit is to see at first hand——

You are allowed to say "I", you are the Minister.

(Limerick West):——the conditions under which Irish troops are required to operate and to assess the overall position, particularly in regard to the safety and welfare of Irish personnel. I am not the only Minister who found it impossible to visit the troops in Lebanon.