Chief of Staff, Secretary General of the Department of Defence, Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, we are here today in this beautiful setting to review the 88th Infantry Battalion and the 43rd Irish Component, UNIFIL. I extend a very warm welcome to the Officers, Men and Women who will shortly depart for United Nations service in South Lebanon. It is a great privilege for me as Minister to have the opportunity to address you and, more importantly, to meet with you and your families this afternoon.

The review gives us time to reflect again on the wonderful record of achievement by Irish soldiers in peacekeeping operations under the banner of the United Nations. For a country of our size we have built up a considerable reputation as peacekeepers. Irish soldiers make a very real contribution to the safety of the people of South Lebanon, who are striving to maintain as normal a life as possible in a tense and often hazardous environment. Our contribution is an illustration of the positive and practical difference which a small country like ours can make in the world's troublespots. There is no doubt that UNIFIL has made a major contribution to stability in the area.

Last week Ireland was given the singular honour of a seat on the United Nations Security Council. We faced tough opposition for this honour and Ireland's distinctive role in UN peacekeeping throughout the world was one of the cornerstones of our campaign. On behalf of the Government, I want to again express my appreciation of the role that the Defence Forces have played in UN service over the years, all of which has helped our country to secure this prestigious place in international affairs.

I think everybody would agree that the experience gained in Lebanon has been good for Irish soldiers in terms of peacekeeping experience, training and developing leadership skills. Equally Irish soldiers have been good for Lebanon in terms of their fair and evenhanded approach and their involvement in humanitarian duties. A mutual respect has built up over the years and this proves the importance of diplomatic as well as soldierly skills.

I recently returned from a visit to Irish troops serving with the 87th Infantry Battalion and I also had meetings with political and military leaders in Lebanon. I would like to pay tribute to the 87th for their commitment and dedication during the past six months and in particular to the Officer Commanding, Lieutenant Colonel Chris Moore. The 87th Battalion were in situ at a historic time, they witnessed the Israeli withdrawal from South Lebanon last May and thankfully they witnessed relative calm thereafter. Sadly the region remains volatile and over the last ten days the situation in the region has changed dramatically. I wish all involved in the peace process the patience and stamina to see this current crisis through. Peace has taken hold in South Lebanon in particular and it will not easily be undone. The Government continues to monitor the situation as it develops in South Lebanon and will take whatever action is necessary to ensure the safety of our troops which is our principal consideration.

The success of the Government's policy of continuous recruitment to the Defence Forces is very evident here today with 173 soldiers about to embark on their first overseas mission. The average age of the Battalion is 28. This year's recruitment campaign for 750 recruits has recently been re-launched

and about 400 have enlisted so far this year. The Chief of Staff is hopeful that the advertising campaign will tempt even more young people to consider a career in the Defence Forces. A constant intake of young blood has a very positive effect on all organisations, none more so than the Defence Forces.

I want to take this opportunity of restating the Government's total commitment to continuing a process of major investment in equipment and infrastructure for the Defence Forces which means that more money than ever before is being made available for those purposes. This commitment was emphasised when the White Paper on Defence was approved by Government at the end of February. The White Paper sets out a modernisation strategy for the Defence Forces as a whole and will release up to £250 million over the next 10 years to be spent on modernising equipment and infrastructure. New armoured personnel carriers, helicopters, and ships are just some of the items that will be coming on stream. The benefits will reach every aspect of military life.

Last week at the PDFORRA Conference I announced that discussions will take place with RACO and PDFORRA over the coming weeks to define the powers and scope of a military Ombudsman that will meet the needs of the various parties. This process is likely to result in an updating of the existing internal complaint procedures. As soon as those discussions are completed the necessary arrangements will be made to give effect to the Ombudsman proposal. It is important that this office will provide a credible grievance system which is fair to all members of the Defence Forces while at the same time safeguarding the operational flexibility of the Defence Forces.

You have all worked and trained hard to prepare yourself for duty with the 88th Battalion in Lebanon and you will benefit from the overseas service. Those of you who have previous service in Lebanon know what to expect and none more than Private Michael Keane from Galway who is traveling on his 16th trip. I would also like to make mention of the youngest member of the Battalion, Private Darren O'Mahony, who is just 18 years of age. Experience mixed with the exuberance of youth is what gives Irish UNIFIL Battalions the balance necessary to discharge their function in an even handed way that is respected both by other military contingents and by the local population in the area.

Family support is of vital importance to the success of UNIFIL missions and for that reason I am delighted to see here today so many families and friends of the troops preparing for departure.

Finally, I want to express the appreciation of the Government, and of myself as Minister for Defence, for the magnificent work being done by Irish troops on overseas service. I would like to wish the men and women of the 88th Infantry Battalion under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Dave Ashe a safe and successful tour of duty.

Thank you.