Members of the Defence Forces have been deployed for service with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) since 1978. Some 611 Defence Forces personnel are serving with the Irish contingent UNIFIL.
The UNIFIL mandate is reviewed by the United Nations Security Council every six months following a report by the Secretary General of the United Nations. UN Security Council Resolution 1254 of 30 July 1999 has extended the mandate of UNIFIL for a further period of six months, that is, until 31 January 2000.
On 12 October 1999 the Government approved the provision of a replacement contingent to UNIFIL comprising approximately 620 personnel all ranks for a six month period beginning 20 October 1999. The Government decision also allowed for preparations to be made for the selection, training and equipping of a further contingent of approximately 620 personnel all ranks to provide for the possibility of Ireland's continued participation in the UNIFIL peacekeeping force beyond January 2000 in the event of the further extension of the UNIFIL mandate.