Clarity needed for Defence Forces deployed in Lebanon
Labour Party Leader Alan Kelly, has called for the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence, to give clarity to members of the Defence Forces who are currently deployed in the Lebanon.
Deputy Kelly said:
“There is great uncertainty amongst Irish troops who are currently stationed in the Lebanon whose mission is due to end on May 12th.
“I have been contacted by family and friends of members of the Defence Forces who are currently stationed in the Lebanon who are very concerned that their mission will be extended for a further month due to the global Covid-19 crisis.
“No real clarity has been given to these Defence Forces personnel who feel they are in limbo as no real clarity has been given to them whether they are coming home on May 12th as planned or if their trip has been extended.
“The Taoiseach, who is also the Minister for Defence, needs to give clarity to these frontline workers – they are either coming home in exactly a month, or they are not. It’s not good enough that they are working on the assumption of what is rumour at this point.
“If a decision has already been made, then the very least members of the Defence Forces who are stationed in the Lebanon is a bit of honesty, not just for themselves but for their families and friends too.
“This is a very worrying time for Irish citizens, especially when a loved one is currently in a different part of the world, the least these front-line workers deserve is clarity and honesty about the Government’s intentions around their return date.”