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Defence Forces Deployment

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 September 2014

Thursday, 18 September 2014

Questions (113)

Clare Daly

Question:

113. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Defence if he will withdraw Irish peacekeeping troops from the Golan Heights and redeploy them to a location where they can be more effective. [34815/14]

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Written answers

A contingent of the Permanent Defence Force was deployed to the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in September 2013 at the request of the United Nations. The current deployment, the 44th Irish Infantry Group UNDOF, comprises 130 troops and consists of a Force Reserve Company and support elements. Their role includes the provision of a Quick Reaction Force which is on stand-by to assist with on-going operations within the UNDOF Area of Responsibility. The escalation of the conflict in the Syrian Arab Republic has affected the UNDOF area of operations significantly in the past year or so. In light of the evolving situation in the mission area, I have requested the UN to review the capacity of the mission to fulfil its mandate. The UN Security Council will be briefed later today on UNDOF and how the mission can respond to the changed circumstances. Already, there has been fundamental realignment of the mission over the weekend reflecting the situation on the ground. The Force Headquarters, including the Irish contingent, have been redeployed from Camp Faouar to Camp Ziouani, which is on the Israeli side of the separation zone, in response to developments on the ground.

The outcome of the review by the UN may result in significant changes to the mission that will permit Ireland’s continued support and participation. The UNDOF mission has been successful in supporting the efforts of the international community both in the Golan Heights region of Syria and in the broader Middle-East region. The Irish contribution to UNDOF is an important element of the Force.

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