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.