Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 February 2015
80. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a Spanish soldier on UN peacekeeping duty was killed during Israeli shelling of southern Lebanon; if Irish soldiers on UN peacekeeping duty in the region have been affected by the recent attacks in southern Lebanon and the Golan Heights; and if new security measures are being put in place to ensure their safety. [5127/15]
View answerI am aware of the events of 28th January 2015, where a member of the Spanish Armed Forces who was serving in Sector East with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was killed near Ghajar on the border with Israel. I understand that the precise cause of the peacekeeper’s death remains undetermined. UNIFIL has launched an investigation to determine the facts and circumstances of the incident. Irish personnel deployed with UNIFIL serve in Sector West and were not involved in the incident. Following news of the fatality, I extended my condolences to the Spanish Government, the Spanish Armed Forces, and the family of the UN peacekeeper on the tragic loss of life.
In addition to the incident in Lebanon, there were violations of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement between Israel and Syria on 27 January, with the launch of rockets from the area of limitation on the Syrian side of the Golan Heights across the ceasefire line. The Israeli Defence Forces responded to this assault with artillery fire and an airstrike. Fortunately, no Irish personnel were involved in this incident.
I have been assured that all necessary Force Protection Measures are being implemented by the Defence Forces contingent in the UNIFIL and UNDOF missions in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures. While I am fully aware that peacekeeping operations are not without risk, the safety of our troops is my priority. The Defence Forces continue to actively monitor developments in the region.
