Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 January 2019
44. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the proposed overseas locations to which the Defence Forces are likely to be deployed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2103/19]
View answerAs of 10 January 2019, Ireland is contributing 678 personnel to 9 different missions throughout the world and also to a range of international organisations and National representations.
The UNIFIL mission in Lebanon continues to represent Ireland's largest and most well known overseas deployment with 460 personnel. The United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Syria is the second largest mission with 138 personnel.
The Naval Service deployed 2 naval vessels to Operation Sophia, the EU Common Security and Defence Policy operation in the Mediterranean, during 2018. While there is currently no Irish ship deployed to the Operation, Defence Forces personnel continue to occupy three posts in the Operational Headquarters in Rome and two in the Force Headquarters at sea. Ireland's participation in Operation Sophia in 2019 is currently being considered and a decision will be taken on the matter following a full review of 2018 deployments.
Ireland has participated in the EU Training Mission in Mali since the mission was launched in 2013. Ireland contributed 20 Defence Forces personnel to this mission in 2018 and the intention is that our contribution will remain at this level in 2019. In addition, consideration is being given to the deployment of a small contingent of Army Ranger Wing personnel to the MINUSMA mission in Mali during 2019. These considerations are at a very early stage and will require further detailed analysis and planning in addition to Government approval, in advance of any proposed deployment.
Defence Forces personnel were also deployed during 2018 to the following missions:
UNTSO, the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation mission in Israel and Syria - 12 personnel;
MINURSO, the United Nations Mission for the referendum in Western Sahara - 3 personnel;
MONUSCO, the United Nations Stabilisation mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo - 4 personnel;
EUFOR, the EU led operation in Bosnia and Herzgovina - 5 personnel; and
KFOR, the International Security Presence in Kosovo - 12 personnel.
The Defence Forces will continue to participate in these missions in 2019.
Defence Forces Personnel also serve as military advisors, representatives and staff officers with the OSCE in Vienna, the EU and NATO/Partnership for Peace in Belgium, and UN Headquarters in New York.
The Department of Defence constantly reviews the deployment of Defence Forces personnel overseas. With regard to any future deployments of Defence Forces personnel overseas, Ireland receives requests, from time to time, in relation to participation in various missions and these are considered on a case-by-case basis.
