Defence Forces peacekeeping anniversary
Deputy McLoughlin asked whether the State would mark 60 years of Irish Defence Forces peacekeeping service. The Taoiseach said plans existed to commemorate the anniversary and praised the uninterrupted record of Irish service, before the exchange was interrupted by a brief aside and protest.
Is it the State's intention to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Irish Defence Forces' involvement in United Nations, UN, peacekeeping missions this year? Our Defence Forces have been participating in UN-led missions since 1958. Will the anniversary be celebrated nationally this year?
Comment on this
There are plans to mark 60 years of service by the Irish Defence Forces in peacekeeping operations around the world. I do not know the detail of them. It is a unique matter of great pride for Ireland that during those 60 years there was not one day on which a member of the Irish Defence Forces was not serving on a UN peacekeeping mission.
Comment on this
The Leas-Cheann Comhairle might have to call for peacekeepers to keep Deputy Healy-Rae happy.
Comment on this
That is a scandalous thing to say; it is disgraceful. He should respect the peacekeepers and what they do.