Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 November 2019
15. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the status of the deployment of the Defence Forces to Lebanon as part of UNIFIL in view of growing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah; the extent of co-operation between Defence Forces personnel and forces from other European countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45771/19]
View answerThe main overseas mission in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed is the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) with 459 personnel.
Ireland deployed an additional contingent of approximately 106 Defence Force personnel to the UNIFIL mission following the departure of the Finnish/Estonian contingent in November 2018. This additional 12 month commitment has continued throughout 2019 to date as Ireland assumed full duties and responsibilities of IRISHBATT up to November 2019. Arrangements are in place with the United Nations for Poland to partner Ireland in UNIFIL from November 2019. Ireland will reduce its contribution of troops in UNIFIL to 340 personnel approximately and Poland will provide some 220 personnel. Hungarian personnel will also deploy as part of the Polish contingent.
Tensions between Hezbollah and Israel have and continue to be a constant in the region. Appropriate force protection for our personnel is in place to address any heightened tension in the area of operations. As with all missions, developments in the UNIFIL area of operations are kept under ongoing review. The security situation in Lebanon will continue to be monitored closely and any necessary adjustments to ensure the safety and security of personnel deployed in UNIFIL will be made as required.
Given the views of the United Nations in relation to the importance of this mission in supporting peace and stability in the region, the continued presence of UNIFIL and Ireland's support to it, remains an important element in the response of the international community through the United Nations. We will continue to support the mission in this regard.
