Dail may need to be recalled to approve Irish role in Lebanon mission - Timmins

Fine Gael Defence Spokesman Billy Timmins TD has said the Dail may need to approve Irish participation in a UN peacekeeping force because it is subject to a new mandate from the Security Council.

Deputy Timmins said Fine Gael would support any move to recall the Dail in order to facilitate an Irish role in the new mission.

"The acceptance of the UN Security Council resolution by Lebanon and Israel is very welcome and will hopefully pave the way to a peaceful conclusion of this dreadful conflict. UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has indicated that a new UN peacekeeping force could be in place within ten days.

"Fine Gael strongly supports proposals for Irish involvement in any new peacekeeping force. However, it may be necessary for Dail to be recalled to sanction the participation of Irish troops in lebanon. Although a UN mission is already present in Lebanon, the new force would be subject to a different UN resolution. Fine Gael would support any move to recall the Dail in order to facilitate an Irish role in this new mission."