Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 November 2015
90. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Defence his plans for the continued participation of the Irish Defence Forces, building on their exemplary work to date, in assisting persons seeking refuge from the conflict in parts of the Middle East; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41184/15]
View answerThe main overseas missions in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed in the Middle East are the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) with 192 personnel and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Syria with 150 personnel. In addition, the deployment of naval assets to support Italy in addressing the humanitarian crisis in the Mediterranean has been very significant. L.É. Samuel Beckett, which is currently deployed, is the third ship to join the mission, following the successful deployments of L.É. Eithne and L.É. Niamh. The three Naval vessels rescued a combined total of 8,592 migrants to date. Ireland’s participation has been warmly welcomed and positively endorsed by the Italian authorities who appreciate the costs and demands of such deployments.
While the rate of operations in the Mediterranean has declined in recent weeks, the deteriorating sea conditions at this time of the year increases the danger for all those who embark on the dangerous journey from North Africa to Europe. L.É. Samuel Beckett is scheduled to withdraw in early December 2015 subject to ongoing assessment of the crisis and the operational need to continue to provide such assistance.
The question of a further deployment to the operation in the Mediterranean next year will be evaluated over the coming months and will be considered in the context of the ongoing situation in the Mediterranean and the overall EU response thereto, the demands on the Defence Forces, our overseas commitments and available resources.
