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  • Speech by the Minister at UNP 2-45

    Speech by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence,
    Mr. Alan Shatter, T.D.,
    at UNP 2-45
    Sunday 10 March 2013

    Assistant Secretary General Murphy, Chief of Staff, Ladies and Gentlemen, Men and Women of the 107th Infantry Battalion.

    Firstly, may I thank Lieutenant Colonel Dignam and all the Irish personnel here for the extremely warm welcome afforded to all of us on this visit.

    I am truly delighted to be here at the headquarters of the Irish Finnish Battalion close to our national day.

    My reasons for visiting you here are very straightforward. Firstly, and most importantly I want to thank you for all you are doing here to contribute to the peace and security of the region.
    What you do here, day in and day out, culminates in the realisation of our words of commitment to peacekeeping and to progress in the region. Your work and your actions fill every Irish person with pride.

    Secondly, I wanted to see for myself, at first hand, what the current situation facing our troops is like here in Lebanon. My visit has been very enlightening so far.

    Ireland has participated in UNIFIL in various guises since its establishment in 1978. Ireland’s participation down the years in UNIFIL has illustrated the very positive and practical difference that small countries like Ireland can make in the world's trouble spots. Indeed this is very true of our Finnish partners. The joint participation of Ireland and Finland in this mission further demonstrates our joint contribution to international peace and security. We are all aware that the world of peacekeeping has changed dramatically over the past years. I cannot over emphasise the important role partners, such as Finland, play in assisting us. In the absence of partners, we would be significantly inhibited in the range and nature of operations we could undertake in support of the United Nations.

    I am very mindful of the great sacrifices you make here. I understand how much you all miss your homes, your families and your loved ones. I know the dangers you face and the hardships you endure as part of your mission. However, I will continue to ensure, that Defence Forces personnel serving on all overseas missions are equipped with the essential training and equipment they require.

    Both the Chief of Staff and myself are committted to doing whatever we can to make your time here as safe and agreeable as we possibly can; so that you can concentrate fully on the work you have come here to do.

    Your work and your actions here are a reflection on Ireland. I say this, not to put any greater pressure on you, but to let you know how deeply we value what you do and how enormously proud we are of you.

    While your presence here is a great source of pride to Ireland, it is the difference between life and death for so many hundreds and thousands of people living here. We may be a small nation, but we can stand tall when it comes to helping some of the most beleaguered people on this planet.

    It is true to say that a key facet of our approach to international peace support operations is the engagement of the Defence Forces personnel at all levels with the local communities. Liaison with the local population and the provision of support and humanitarian assistance is one of the hallmarks of the Defence Forces approach to involvement in peace support operations. This is, indeed, very true here in Lebanon where you are assisting with local projects. The help given to the local communities by Irish troops is something of which you can be very proud. The local population greatly appreciate this aid and have nothing but the height of praise for Irish soldiers.

    As has been the case for some time these projects are receiving support from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade through Irish Aid.

    I am glad to have had this opportunity to express my own personal appreciation and that of the Government for the incredible work you are doing here.

    You are the new generation of Irish Ambassadors. I salute your courage, your humanity and your patriotism.

    I want to wish you all well and continued safety during the rest of your tour of duty here and a safe return to your families in Ireland.

    ENDS


    Catch-22 says they have a right to do anything we can't stop them from doing.

  • #2
    Minister Shatter Visits UN Missions in Middle East and Congratulates Troops on Receipt of their UN Medals


    The Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Mr. Alan Shatter, TD, today congratulated members of the Irish Defence Forces and thanked them for their contribution to peace and security in South Lebanon. The Minister was speaking following the presentation of UN Medals to members of the joint Irish/Finnish Battalion, currently serving with UNIFIL, the UN mission in Lebanon. The UN Medal is presented to all troops who complete a tour of duty on a UN mission in recognition of their service to the cause of international peace and security. Sixty one personnel of the Irish contingent were receiving their first UN medal. The visit to the Irish Troops is part of a comprehensive St. Patricks Day programme in the Middle East being undertaken by the Minister. Alongside his visit to the Irish Troops in south Lebanon, the Minister will also visit Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Ramallah and the Golan Heights, where members of the Defence Forces serving with the UN Truce Supervision Organisation are currently based. . The Minister is being accompanied on his visit by the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Lt Gen, Sean McCann and Assistant Secretary, Mr. Ciaran Murphy from the Department.
    Addressing the Irish troops following the Medal Parade, the Minister said “I am glad to have had this opportunity to express my own personal appreciation and that of the Government for the incredible work you are doing here”. He also told the troops that “Your work and your actions here reflect very positively on Ireland. I say this, not to put any greater pressure on you, but to let you know how deeply we value what you do and how enormously proud we are of you.” The Minister also received briefings on the current situation in the region and met with the Force Commander, General Paolo Serra of Italy during the day. Before the medal ceremony, the Minister laid a wreath at the Memorial in Tibnin to the forty seven members of the Defence Forces who died in Lebanon in the cause of peace.

    Over the course of his visit to the Middle East, the Minister will meet with Government Ministers including , the Lebanese Minister for Defence, Mr. Fayez Ghosn, the Palestinian Authority’s Minister for Justice Ali Muhana, Israel’s former Foreign Minister and Minister for Justice designate, Ms. Tzippi Livni and Israel’s outgoing Justice Minister Mr. Yakov Neeman. He will also meet with other local and national political leaders, and representatives of the business, diplomatic and international communities from across the region. He will be discussing the current security and political situation with them, hearing their perspectives on the challenges being faced and how their efforts can be supported by Ireland and the international community. The Minister will also be promoting research and innovation, bilateral trade links and tourism during his visit.


    ENDS


    Catch-22 says they have a right to do anything we can't stop them from doing.

    Comment


    • #3




      Photos from the visit.


      Catch-22 says they have a right to do anything we can't stop them from doing.

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