Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 November 2023
163. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will review the decision to withdraw Defence Forces troops from the UNDOF UN peace keeping mission in Golan Heights, considering the increased tensions in that region and the poor sign-up of Defence Forces personnel in the EU Battlegroup; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51695/23]
View answerThere is no plan to review the decision to withdraw the Defence Forces' Infantry Group from the UNDOF mission next year .The placement Troop Contributing Country (TCC) has been selected to take over the role of the Force Reserve Company, following the scheduled Irish departure in April 2024. Planning for the withdrawal of the Defence Forces' contingent and their replacement is well advanced, involving the United Nations, the Force Headquarters, the current Irish contingent and the replacement TCC to ensure a smooth handover that in no way compromises the mission.
Notwithstanding the withdrawal of the Defence Forces' Infantry Group, it is likely that the DF will continue to occupy a small number of staff officer posts at the UNDOF mission HQ.
Battlegroups are a key component of the capabilities that the EU can make available in support of UN-authorised crisis management operations. Within the EU Battlegroup concept, the purpose of the Battlegroup, as a rapid response capability, includes the role of acting as an initial entry force to stabilise a situation pending the deployment of a follow-on force, to support an established peace support operation which is running into difficulties, and to respond to humanitarian crises.
The decision to withdraw personnel from the UNDOF mission was made following the receipt of military advice which stated that this would allow the Defence Forces to undertake a process of consolidation with regard to their overseas commitments and to prepare for future peace-keeping missions as well as to ensure that the Defence Forces have the capacity available to fulfil their commitment to the EU Battlegroup 2024/2025.
