Attacks on Irish UNIFIL Personnel
De Rossa sought figures on attacks, deaths and injuries among Irish UNIFIL personnel and the identities of responsible groups; the Minister provided a detailed statement covering 15 incidents. McCartan asked whether the Government had raised continued attacks with Israel’s ambassador, and the Minister said the matter was being addressed by the Ministers and the Department of Foreign Affairs.
asked the Minister for Defence the number of occasions on which Irish personnel with UNIFIL have come under attack; the number of persons (a) killed and (b) injured as a result of such attacks; in relation to the fatalities, the identity of the group responsible where this is known; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Comment on this
As the reply is in the form of a statement relating to several separate incidents, I propsoe to have it circulated in the Official Report.
Attacks on Irish UNIFIL Personnel.
The main incidents in which personnel serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) or positions in the area of operations patrolled by the Irish contingent came under attack from gunfire or explosives are as follows:
7 April 1980: One soldier received a gun shot wound, after At Tiri village came under attack by Israeli-backed militia, and died nine days later in hospital.
18 April 1980: Members of a convoy travelling near Bint Jubayl village were taken prisoner by Israeli-backed militia. Two soldiers were killed and another injured.
27 April 1981: Post near Dayr Ntar village came under attack from unknown armed elements — one soldier was killed and another is missing, presumed dead.
7 December 1981: Irish landrover was ambushed by five armed persons (identity unknown) — driver injured.
23 March 1986: Six armed men (identity unknown) tried to force their way through checkpoint at Tibnin Bridge — sentry injured.
12 August 1986: Post at Tibnin Bridge came under attack from unknown armed elements — no casualties.
21 August 1986: Irish officer was killed in roadside bomb explosion near At Tiri.
6 December 1986: One soldier was fatally wounded by Israeli-backed militia while on checkpoint duty at post near Brashit.
10 January 1987: One soldier was killed as a result of tank fire directed at his post at Brashit by Israeli Defence Forces.
28 January 1987: Six personnel were injured in an explosion which partially destroyed post at Tibnin House — perpetrators unknown.
16 December 1988: Checkpoint at Tibnin East came under attack from unknown armed elements — three soldiers were abducted and later released.
24 January 1989: Post at Haddathah village came under fire from Israeli-backed militia — sentry injured.
24 February 1989: One soldier was killed when checkpoint at Haddathah village came under fire from Israeli-backed militia.
21 March 1989: Three personnel were killed when their truck drove over a land-mine near Brashit village — perpetrators unknown.
17 May 1989: Two personnel were wounded when a high explosive tank round fired by Israeli-backed militia exploded within Camp Shamrock.
In addition, Irish troops or positions were subject to firings close on numerous occasions from various armed elements.
Comment on this
It is a tabular statement. The Deputy ought to await the information contained therein before he poses a legitimate question.
Comment on this
There are matters supplementary to the issue in question which could have been raised at this stage irrespective of the information in the reply.
Comment on this
It is not usual, but if the Deputy persists I will hear what kind of relevant question he might pose and doubtless he will succeed.
Comment on this
There is one matter which is directly related to this question and I thank you, a Cheann Comhairle, for the opportunity to raise it with the Minister. I want to ask him if he has requested the Government to address the newly appointed Israeli ambassador to Ireland, who had indicated that these types of attacks on Irish soldiers will inevitably continue in the South Lebanon area——
Comment on this
It is a matter which is constantly addressed by the Minister and the Department of Foreign Affairs. I know my colleague has already addressed this problem during the recent visit here of the Israeli ambassador to London.
Comment on this
I fully support my colleague in that respect and I did the same as Minister for Foreign Affairs. I appreciate the concern behind the Deputy's question and I agree with him——