136. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide an update on the efforts of his Department to help secure a cessation of violence in the Middle East; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15212/25]

Sentiment score: 0.01

I think I am safe in saying I am the only Member of the Dáil who has completed a tour of duty with UNIFIL. I concur with the Tánaiste's statement of support for the 300-plus men and women of Óglaigh na hÉireann who are currently in Camp Shamrock and other areas of southern Lebanon, which is an area with which I am very familiar. The Tánaiste will appreciate why matters relating to peace in the Middle East are of huge interest to me. I have been a proud member of the Defence Forces. I have worn the blue beret and provided the vital service of peacekeeper, alongside my UN colleagues, to the citizens of Lebanon. The Tánaiste can imagine my horror to see Israel carry out, last Friday, its first attack on Beirut since the ceasefire came into force in November that put an end to more than 13 months of conflict with Hezbollah. Another airstrike overnight has claimed the lives of a further four Lebanese citizens, including one woman, and injured seven people. How can we strengthen our support for Lebanon and its Government when the ceasefire is so fragile?

Sentiment score: 0.25

I would like to ensure that the essential need for humanitarian aid to flow to citizens of Gaza is also met, with all the hostages to be released. I concur with what the Tánaiste said about strengthening our support for Lebanon and its new government, particularly with our Irish soldiers who, as he noted, are serving over there, and about keeping the men and women who are proudly serving our country by protecting Lebanese civilians and keeping them safe and out of harm's way.

Sentiment score: 0.77