Minister visits Irish peacekeepers in south Lebanon

Minister for Defence Willie O'Dea is visiting Irish soldiers serving with the UN peacekeeping mission in south Lebanon today.

The troops were deployed to the region last year as part of an agreement to end Israel's attack on the country.

The deal called for the Lebanese army to take control of south Lebanon from Hezbollah guerrillas and there are now rumours of planned attacks by fundamentalist groups on the UN force.

Mr O'Dea says he is visiting the region to speak to the Irish commanders involved and to assess the situation for himself.

Yesterday, he held talks with his Lebanese counterpart to discuss the security situation.