37 Mr. McCartan asked the Minister for Defence when a Minister for Defence last visited Irish troops serving with UNIFIL; if he plans to visit them; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

My predecessor, Deputy Michael J. Noonan, paid an official visit in May-June 1987 to Irish troops serving with the United Nations in the Middle East, including Lebanon. The Minister of State at my Department visited Irish troops serving in the Middle East in March 1988. Arrangements were made for a visit by the Minister for Defence in March 1989 but the closure of Beirut airport made travel impossible. The Minister of State paid a further visit to troops in this area in March 1990. It is my view that such visits are very important and further visits will take place as circumstances allow.

Is the Minister making arrangements for the spokespersons on Defence to visit the UNIFIL forces?

I will consider that. Further visits will take place as the circumstances allow.

As the Minister is aware, arrangements were made but due to the closing of Beirut airport it was impossible for us to go. It is very important for the morale of the people that they would see more than the Minister of State or the Minister.

I agree with the Deputy in that respect and I would like to enjoy that visit with him or other Deputies.