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Overseas Missions

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 February 2014

Thursday, 6 February 2014

Questions (13, 15)

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

13. Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Defence the number of Irish personnel that are serving with the UNDOF mission in Syria; their roles and the duration of their tours of duty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5562/14]

View answer

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

15. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the mission in Syria to which the Defence Forces have been deployed. [5623/14]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 15 together.

The United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) was established on 31 May 1974 under UN Security Council Resolution 350 in order to maintain the ceasefire between Israel and Syria. By its latest resolution 2131 of 18 December 2013, the Security Council stressed the obligation of both Israel and the Syrian Arab Republic to scrupulously observe the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement and abide by its terms. It underscored that there should be no military forces in the area of separation other than those of UNDOF. It also called on all parties to the Syrian domestic conflict to cease military actions within the UNDOF Area of Operations.

UNDOF currently has a military strength of approximately 1,239 with a further 134 civilian staff. A total of six countries currently contribute to the mission including Ireland, India, Fiji, Netherlands, Philippines and Nepal. Following Government and Dáil approval, the deployment of the 43rd Infantry Group to the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) on the Golan Heights was successfully completed on 28 September 2013.

The 43rd Infantry Group, comprising 114 personnel, consists of a Force Reserve Company and support elements. Their role includes the provision of a Quick Reaction Force which is on standby to assist with on-going operations within the UNDOF Area of Responsibility. The Irish Infantry Group is also tasked with carrying out patrols and convoy escorts as necessary. In addition to the Force Reserve Company there are also four (4) Defence Forces personnel based in UNDOF Headquarters in Camp Faouar on the Golan Heights. Irish personnel serving with UNDOF Force Reserve Company will be rotated on a six-monthly basis. Members of the 43rd Infantry Group will complete their six month tour of duty at the end of March 2014 when they will be replaced by members of the 44th Infantry Group.

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